Welcome to the official Twitter channel of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Please dial 999 in an emergency. Follow
@HWFireControl
for incidents.
It is with great sadness that
@HWFire
announce the tragic and untimely death of one of our senior Commanders following his brave fight against cancer. Thoughts are with his family who we will remain in close contact with, and observe their wishes, during this difficult time.
Rainbows have become a symbol of hope during the Coronavirus. The Day Crew Plus team at Worcester Fire Station displayed their creativity and resourcefulness by creating a rainbow from fire hoses! Thank you for the great picture Station Commander Ade Farmer!
@worcesternews
The
#EveryMindMatters
campaign is being supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge so turn up the radio at 10:59 on Friday 13 May as they call on the nation to ‘Lift someone out of loneliness’ as part of the annual
#MentalHealthMinute
.
We are urging people not to use flying lanterns. They pose a real fire risk to wildlife, property, livestock and agriculture. We do not support the use of these. Please find other ways to show your support for the NHS
#clapforNHS
#StayAtHomeSaveLives
Twelve fire engines now at Lickey Hills fighting a large fire. Please stay away from the area and keep doors and windows closed if you are in the vicinity.
An amazing picture, courtesy of the Environment Agency, which shows the extent of the flooding around the city of Worcester. The Carrington Bridge is towards the bottom of the picture.
Crew at Hereford Fire Station paid their own tribute to Crew Manager Alec Elwell, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who lost his life to Covid-19
The Malvern crew observed a minute’s silence this morning to remember Firefighter Barry Martin. Barry died on 27 January following injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire in Edinburgh earlier that week.
Firefighters and officers at Hereford Fire Station gathered this morning to remember colleagues John Davies from Leominster and Dave Morris from Hereford who lost their lives 25 years ago while tackling the fire at the Sun Valley factory.
And with the good news that the residents of Whaley Bridge have been told they can return home, here's one final picture of the HWFRS crew at Toddbrook Reservoir.
#heroes
Inconsiderate
#parking
can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. With more people at home over the lockdown period parking in some residential areas has become much more congested. Please make sure all of our
#emergencyservices
can access the road.
Crews and volunteers preparing for this morning's exercise break off to hold a minute's silence for fallen colleague Barry Martin who died as a result of last week's fire in Edwards.
Station Commander Lee Watson and a crew from Kidderminster with a high volume pump are assisting with activity at Whaley Bridge to try to stop the Toddbrook reservoir dam failing
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently dealing with a significant incident in Park Street, Kidderminster after a call came in at 14:51 this afternoon.
People are asked to keep their windows closed and stay away from the scene.
The Service was advised earlier this week that FF Matthew Lee was tragically killed in a traffic accident.
"Matthew was a well known and respected member of the Wyre Forest team," said CFO Jon Pryce.
"Our thoughts and condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues."
On behalf of all of our crews, we'd like to say a huge thank you for all the support, food and drinks which they have been supplied with when they have been out helping our communities. Your good will makes a massive difference!
Teams from Bromyard & Pershore along with crews from Bromsgrove & Malvern rescued a bull that had become submerged in a pool.
Crews put strops around his body, before he was sedated and removed from the area with the help of a telehandler. He's expected to make a full recovery.
Congratulations to Kevin Harris who received a certificate from Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce to mark an incredible 50 years of service with HWFRS.
Thanks Kevin - an amazing achievement!
Naming and shaming was never the priority, but
@HWfireRAllen
is now confident that the teen cyclist will be more cautious by road, that other children will benefit from the warning, and that drivers will consider speed and concentration.
#positiveoutcomes
Tenbury development firefighter Callum Spires represents England Fire Service Rugby tonight in Nottingham against HMPS. This is a huge achievement for Callum to represent HWFRS at an international level. Congratulations, Callum, and all the best for the match! 🏈
Today we remember the 72 lives lost as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy three years ago today. More than 200 firefighters fought the fire to try and save residents from the burning building.
#Grenfell
#firefighters
#savinglives
🦌A
@HWFireHereford
crew found a deer entangled in fencing tape & trapped around a tree in Llanwarne.
They used a general purpose line to secure the animal & freed it using small tools and wire cutters.
The deer was checked for potential injuries & released back into the wild.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently attending a large fire on Frederick Road, Hoo Farm Industrial Estate in Kidderminster. People are asked to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed if they are within the area of the smoke plume.
A team of
@HWFire
firefighters are determined to continue the fundraising legacy left by former colleague, Stu Crebbin, who died in March at the age of 46 after a 12-month battle with cancer. Read about their epic
@firefighters999
challenge here:
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Hurcott Mill fire. This evening, we remember Sub Officer Bob Crampin and Firefighter Keith Marshall, who tragically lost their lives. Their bravery and dedication will forever be remembered.
#HWFRS
Following the fourth Stu’s Phoenix Challenge in memory of Stu Crebbin, nearly £25,000 has been raised over the years for
@firefighters999
, a cause close to Stu's heart. Thanks so much for your support ❤️
More on this year's challenge👉
HWFRS and West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service crews are currently fighting a fire in the open in the area of Rose Hill in Rednal in the Lickey Hills.
People are asked to stay away from the area - residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed.
Good luck to the Phoenix Challenge team who are today attempting the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge in memory of Stu Crebbin and raising money for
@firefighters999
- 10 Peaks, 68Km in 24hrs! Go and smash it Team Phoenix!
Today we honour the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts. We will also remember the role of the fire and rescue service who helped defend our country at times of conflict.
We can't reiterate this enough. Please avoid using disposable BBQs & lighting bonfires in this hot dry weather. The smallest spark can easily start a fire and spreading rapidly due to the dry conditions.
#wildfires
#bbqs
#bonfires
HWFRS were delighted to take part in the Beacon celebrations in Malvern on Thursday. A beautifully clear evening helped in a worthy celebration of Her Majesty's 70-year reign.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce was in Kington to bid farewell to on-call firefighter Mark Jones who is retiring after 27 years of service to his community. Enjoy your retirement, Mark!
We can't reiterate this enough. We've had a huge increase in incidents involving bonfires getting out of control & BBQs starting fires. These fires are starting very easily and spreading rapidly due to the dry conditions. Please avoid using disposable BBQs & lighting bonfires.
Huge congratulations to one of our own! Group Commander Martin Lown has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the Fire Fighters Charity.
HWFRS featured strongly on BBC's Countryfile last night with a film crew at Peterchurch FS to interview SC Michelle Hicks and FF Rory Andrews while SC Chris White visited Adam's farm to give fire safety advice.
Catch the programme here:
Domestic abuse is NEVER ok. If you are in danger, dial 999 as soon as possible and request police.
Cannot talk? Cough or tap the head set, from a mobile press 55 when prompted and this will transfer your call to the police.
#NoExcuseForAbuse
#WhiteRibbonDay
#16DaysOfAction
Don't be concerned if you see a lot of emergency services vehicles in and around Eardisley this morning. It's just a multi-agency exercise and no cause for concern.
It's not just people our crews
@HWFire
have been rescuing this week but our four-legged friends too. Take a look...19 dogs, 10 cats, 55 sheep, 1 pony, 1 parrot, 1 snake. As well as evacuating 11 dogs and 2 cats
#allinadayswork
#floods
HWFRS remain on site to assist with activity at Whaley Bridge and expect to be in Derbyshire until at least Tuesday. Here are some more pictures from the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir.
Congratulation to FF Richard Knowles who has received his five-year award for loyal and dedicated services as an on-call firefighter.
Richard received his certificate from SC Gareth Taylor at Worcester Fire Station.
Young Firefighters from Droitwich piloting the Water Smart Award from the Royal Life Saving Society UK
@RLSSUK
. It was part of their Young Firefighters Association (YFA) summer camp, and may help prevent drownings in the two counties over the summer holidays and beyond.
Look out for our snazzy
#oncallfirefighter
recruitment vehicles on a road near you soon! If you are over 18 and live or work within five minutes of any of our 25 fire stations then this could be an exciting career opportunity for you.
Rest assured that we are fully operational in both counties today despite the snowy weather. Our fire engines are fitted with snow socks and our officers have 4WD vehicles.
It's business as usual - but response times might be slightly longer than usual due to the conditions.
One of our HWFRS fire engines donated to support the Ukraine fire service has been spotted by a humanitarian aid volunteer at Volodymyr Fire Station which serves a city in the north-west.
Andy Rae took the pictures while delivering various aid and generators with
@BoxersBarbers
Urgent call to action....the deadline for
@HWFire
wholetime firefighter applications is tomorrow (Tuesday 7 July). Please visit our website for application details but be quick!:
Join us!
#recruitment
#firefighters
@WFSUK1
With great sadness, we confirm the sudden death of one of our much-loved and respected Station Commanders. Simon Wheatley, of
@WMFSHadenCross
, died yesterday.
Our deepest sympathies are with Simon’s family, friends and colleagues.
Our flags have been lowered as a mark of respect.
Meet Amy. She has been working for the fire service for more than 18 years and
@HWFire
is proud to have her as our Station Commander for Community Risk.
#IWD2020
#EachforEqual
Travelling this weekend? Stay away from swollen rivers and do not drive through flooded roads, it’s not worth the risk.
Check your route before you travel:
#StormDennis
#Floods
#PrepareActSurvive
After 30 years of serving the community, Watch Commander Mark Allbutt will be retiring from the Service after his final day shift on Sunday.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce was on hand to present Mark with his retirement certificate and to wish him well for the future.
Firefighters remain at the scene of a severe building fire off the A38 at Rashwood, near Droitwich. Relief crews have stepped in from Redditch, Leominster, Kingsland, Upton, Hereford, Tenbury & Worcester. Please continue to avoid the area and use an alternative route if you can
At the Lady Arbour Gardens at Hereford Cathedral for the memorial parade and placing of wreath to mark 30 years since two firefighters lost their lives at a Hereford factory fire.
There is a memorial plaque for John Davies and David Morris in the gardens.
Following the sudden death of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander Simon Wheatley, his family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs.
Anyone wishing to contribute, should visit here:
Thank you to everyone for taking a moment to remember our hero firefighters John Davies and David Morris who lost their lives in that devastating Hereford blaze 30 years ago.
For more on a well-attended, moving memorial tribute 👉
Just repeating our earlier message from the significant incident in Kidderminster this afternoon. Please avoid the area as there are a number of road closures in place. People in Kidderminster should keep their doors and windows closed.
Firefighting activities will continue through the night at Hoo Farm in Kidderminster. Please keep your doors and windows closed if you are within the area of the smoke flume. Road closures are in place so please also avoid unnecessary journeys into the affected area.
#hoofarm
This is the scene at Letton in Herefordshire this morning.
Please do not drive into the floodwater - our crews have already had to rescue from vehicles which have gone past the Road Closed signs.
Don't forget - a memorial service and dedication of a plaque to remember John Davies and David Morris, who lost their lives in a factory fire in Hereford 30 years ago, will take place at Hereford Cathedral tomorrow (Saturday) at 5.30pm.