News in brief
Published: 01 June, 2008
Fire & Rescue advertising sales manager, Gary Poolman will be taking part in the World Firefighting Games in August to raise money for the Beichuan Fire Service, in one of China’s worst-hit earthquake areas. Dressed in a Liver bird costume – the symbol of Liverpool – Gary will attempt to finish a half marathon for the first time. “The good thing is that no-one knows me in Liverpool, so it’s not so bad,” said Gary.
Central Paris was cordoned off and evacuated after a section of the city sewer system off the Saint-Honore street caught fire. Firefighters said the cause of the fire was the high-voltage electric cables inside the sewer system. Dense toxic smoke drove 100 firefighters to evacuate 30 people from four buildings on Thursday, May 22. Reports say that foam finally put the fire out after an initial attack with powder had no effect.
The Society for the Protection of Life from Life has launched a new website, www.splf.org.uk. Established in 1836, SPLF gives awards to those who exhibit bravery in rescuing people from fires. A charity, the Society is run by volunteers who consider nominations from senior officers both in police and fire services. In 2007 there were 49 certificates awarded, two combined with small monetary awards to the young rescuers concerned.
Firefighters in Montreal are calling for the mayor to reverse his demotion of a captain accused of defacing station 23 in the St Henri district of Montreal (Quebec, Canada). The (now) lieutenant was caught red-handed as he painted the windows of the station in blue, white and red in support of ice hockey team Montreal Canadiens’ position in the playoffs. Other stations had also been painted in this way.
