Fire Brigades Union - Experts & Thought Leaders

A ground-breaking cancer research project has returned to the North East with more than 100 firefighters from Tyneside set to take part. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are this week hosting a testing program commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Back in February, the first 15 firefighters volunteered to take part in testing carried out by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). More than 1,000 firefighters across the United Kingdom (UK) have participated by providing urine and blood samples to the research led by world fire toxicity expert - Professor Anna Stec. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) cancer research project The research also found that firefighters face higher mortality rates from cancers, heart attacks and strokes The results will be used to explore the link between firefighter exposure to contaminants and long-term health conditions such as cancer. It follows recently released publications, finding cancer among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population in the same age category. The research also found that firefighters face higher mortality rates from cancers, heart attacks and strokes. This week Prof Stec, and a team of experts from UCLan, have returned back to the North East where they will carry out testing on 100 firefighters. Ensuring firefighter safety The Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Peter Heath, said “Here in Tyne and Wear, we take firefighter safety incredibly seriously and have invested significantly in education, equipment and the redesign of our processes to reduce contaminants.” He adds, “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day when they come to work and we will continue to work hard to make their livelihood as safe as we can. I’m glad that we are able to support Professor Anna Stec’s research.” TWFRS firefighters tested as part of research project Peter Heath continues, “I’ve already taken part in the testing personally and would encourage anyone who is able to get involved in Anna’s work. The more information we have on the effects of contaminants, the more improvements we can make to our procedures, appliances, our kit, and how we continue to work to keep firefighters safe.” Firefighters in the North East are proud to have led the way in this vital firefighter cancer research" Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Secretary for TWFRS, Wayne Anderson, said “Firefighters in the North East are proud to have led the way in this vital firefighter cancer research. We launched the testing in Newcastle last February, and since then over 1,000 firefighters have taken part across the UK.” He adds, “The University of Central Lancashire team tested 15 firefighters here in February and are now able to return to test over 100, with thanks to the ongoing support of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service. It’s a real testament to the dedication of firefighters and everyone involved. We’ve shown what can be done. Now we need regular health monitoring for every UK firefighter.” National firefighter health monitoring research project The testing is being carried out as part of a national firefighter health monitoring research project led by Prof Stec and the University of Central Lancashire. Prof Stec’s research is being funded by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and TWFRS have allowed the research team access to their station, facilities and staff. The testing is taking place between Monday, November 13th, 2023 and Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, with all those being tested volunteering to take part.

The Scottish Government has provided funding of £56,000 to enable firefighters based in Scotland to participate in a UK-wide health screening program, which is being facilitated by the Fire Brigades Union and the University of Central Lancashire. Around 1,000 UK firefighters will take part in trials, which will include blood tests to look for early signs of illness and cancer and these trials will help to inform the evidence around potential future annual health screening arrangements. Safety and well-being of firefighters Research has shown that firefighters report higher incidences of cancers and other diseases Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to provide funding to ensure that Scottish firefighters are part of this important research. We will continue to work closely with the FBU and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the safety and wellbeing of firefighters who work so hard to keep our communities safe.” Research has shown that firefighters report higher incidences of cancers and other diseases, when compared with the general population. development of an FBU DECON Campaign These findings are based on research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), conducted by Professor Anna Stec of the University of Central Lancashire (UClan), 'Minimizing firefighters' exposure to toxic fire effluents', published in January 2020 and further research involving firefighters in Scotland, which was published in January 2023. The research led to an FBU campaign for firefighters to have increased health monitoring and recording and well as the development of an FBU DECON Campaign. The Regional Secretary for the FBU in Scotland, John McKenzie, said: "The FBU welcomes these health monitoring trials for firefighters in Scotland, which are being conducted by Professor Anna Stec from the University of Central Lancashire, and would encourage as many of our members as possible to take part, in order to continue to progress this essential work. We also welcome the additional funding provided by the Scottish Government to allow this research to take place.” Exposure to fire contaminants Work to date has included the development of operational policies, procedures, and training The SFRS and FBU have been working collaboratively to look at ways to help protect the health of firefighters. SFRS has also formed a dedicated Contaminants Group to look at ways of reducing firefighters’ exposure to fire contaminants and has increased health awareness and support. Work to date has included the development of operational policies, procedures, and training as well as audits of fire stations across Scotland. SFRS Assistant Chief Officer, Andy Watt, said: "This clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuously drive improvement in firefighter safety and I’m delighted that SFRS personnel are volunteering to take part in this vital piece of research." Partnership with the FBU Andy Watt added: "The SFRS has already undertaken work to minimize the risk of contaminants for our staff and we will continue to work in partnership with the FBU and Professor Anna Stec to develop and deliver further improvements that will help mitigate the effects of contaminants." He continues, "There are a wide number of areas of work that we are progressing through our Contaminants Group that will take time to deliver, and staff will see the phased implementation of these changes and improvements over the coming months. We are fully committed to doing all that we can to protect firefighters and ensure their safety. The safety of our staff is absolutely paramount." Risks of fire contaminants John McKenzie stated: "The FBU is committed to continuing to work in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and welcomes the organization’s ongoing commitment to address the risks of fire contaminants to our members." He adds, "The Contaminants Group continues to carry out positive work in this area, and it is imperative that firefighters continue to see the impact of this work within their workplaces over the months ahead."

A Commemoration Service has been held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square in Edinburgh to pay tribute to fallen Firefighter - Ewan Williamson who lost his life in 2009. A minute’s silence was observed, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony involving members of Ewan's family alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer - Ross Haggart. event attendees SFRS colleagues, representatives from the public sector, and charity organizations from across the city were also in attendance at the event held on Wednesday, 12 July 2023 to remember the tragic circumstances at the Balmoral Bar. At 00:38 am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh. devastating fire spread Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats on the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames. extinguishing the fire Firefighter Williamson, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty. A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues in responding to the incident. protecting communities CO Ross Haggart said, "My thoughts are with Firefighter Williamson’s family, friends, and loved ones during this very difficult time of the year." Ross Haggart adds, "Ewan's ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities. It's of the utmost importance that our fallen colleagues are recognized and remembered for their courage and dedication to their role.” Family comments Ewan’s family described him as having a wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field Ewan’s family described him as having a 'wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field, and a witty sense of humor that we miss deeply'. They said, “He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone. He was a loving son and not only a brother but a best friend to his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca.” ultimate sacrifice Fire Brigades Union Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said, “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public. We remember Ewan 14 years on from that fateful day on the 12th of July, 2009, and send our love and heartfelt thoughts to Ewan’s mum Linda, sisters Rachel and Rebecca, Ewan’s colleagues, and all those who loved him." Seona Hart adds, “Ewan will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.”

The Phase 1 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, released Oct. 30, examines events of 14 June, 2017, when 71 people were killed in a high-rise building fire at Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in North Kensington, London. The report finds London Fire Brigade’s planning and preparation for such a fire was “gravely inadequate.” The report reflects the first phase of the inquiry. Investigators will consider problems related to design, maintenance and renovation of Grenfell Tower in the second phase, as well as whether building and fire regulations were adequate and adhered to. Report Suggests Lack Of Training The report found that otherwise experienced incident commanders and senior officers attending the fire had received no training in the particular dangers associated with the building’s combustible cladding, even though some senior officers were aware of similar fires that had occurred in other countries. Otherwise experienced incident commanders and senior officers attending the fire had received no training in the particular dangers Although the London Fire Brigade purports to maintain an operational risk database (ORD) for buildings in London and has a risk assessment policy accessible by all operational firefighters at an incident, the database entry for Grenfell Tower contained almost no information of any use to an incident commander called to a fire. The database information was many years out of date and did not reflect the changes made by a building refurbishment. “None of the firefighters or incident commanders on the ground seem to have been able to conceive of the possibility of a general failure of compartmentation or of a need for mass evacuation; they neither truly seized control of the situation nor were able to change strategy,” according to the report. Evacuation Plans The report continues: “National guidance requires fire and rescue services to draw up contingency evacuation plans for dealing with fires in high-rise buildings that spread beyond the compartment of origin causing a ‘stay put’ strategy to become untenable. They should understand, for any given high-rise building in their area, when a partial or full evacuation might become necessary and provide appropriate training to incident commanders.” Friends and families still await justice for their loved ones following the report   The public inquiry by Rt Hon Sir Martin Moore-Bick is being conducted in parallel to investigations by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Her Majesty’s Coroner for Inner London (West), Professor Fiona The decision to evacuate the building was delayed by almost an hourWilcox. Once the Grenfell fire was out of control, the decision to evacuate the building was delayed by almost an hour, which resulted in additional fatalities. A decision should have been made to evacuate the tower between 1:30 and 1:50 a.m., according to the report. The “stay put” strategy was not questioned, even in response to early indications the building has suffered a “total failure of compartmentation.” The "Stay Put" Recommendation The ‘stay put’ recommendation was based on general wisdom that most fires are likely to be contained in small areas of a building and that anyone trying to escape is likely to run into dangerous flames, smoke-filled corridors, or to interfere with fire-fighting efforts. Obviously, it was bad advice in this case since the fast-moving fire rapidly spread and engulfed the entire building. Combustible panels on the exterior of the building accelerated the fire. The aluminium composite material (ACM) rainscreen panels with polyethylene cores acted as a source of fuel. The ACM rainscreen panels with polyethylene cores acted as a source of fuel There were serious deficiencies in command and control. Although additional resources arrived swiftly, some senior officers failed to give sufficient practical support or inform themselves quickly enough of conditions and operations within the building, according to the report. Communication Strategies Channels of communication between the control room and the incident ground were improvised, uncertain and prone to error. Control room operators did not therefore know enough about conditions in the tower or the progress of responses to individual fire survival guidance calls, so they lacked a sound basis for telling callers whether help was on its way. In a statement in response to the Phase 1 report, the London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said: “We are disappointed at some of the criticism of individual staff members who were placed in completely unprecedented circumstances and faced the most unimaginable conditions while trying to save the lives of others.”  Furthermore, Matt Wrack, head of the Fire Brigades Union commented: “Nobody [has] explained how you would alert residents when there’s no common fire alarm system.” He also said the building was already a “death trap” when firefighters arrived.