News
Offaly County Council - Press Release 3rd May 2011
3rd May 2011:
Offaly Fire and Rescue Service and Bord Na Mona are currently dealing with bog fires in several locations throughout the county. In relation to these incidents Offaly Fire Service wishes to offer the following advise to households and mototists in the county.
Fire Safety Week 4 - 11th October
5th October 2010:
National Fire Safety Week 2010 is October, 4th to 11th. Offaly Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone to check their Smoke Alarms regularly Check your smoke alarm today. During National Fire Safety Week we appeal to everyone to buy and install smoke alarms. If you already have smoke alarms installed, please don’t delay, check your batteries today. It is also vital that you and your family know exactly what to do if the smoke alarm activates. You can’t be too prepared for a fire!
Fire operations relate to the resources that Offaly County Council has to respond quickly and efficiently to fires and other emergencies throughout the county. This response consists of a pre-determined turnout of appliances and equipment based on the nature and location of the incident. Turnout involves the mobilisation of the fire fighting crews and the appropriate fire appliances.
The operational fire service in County Offaly is a retained Fire Service i.e. fire fighters carry a pager and are expected to report to a fire station within 5 minutes and go mobile to the incident as is the norm in rural Ireland.
The operational service within Offaly is provided by crew of retained fire fighters reporting to a Retained Station Officer who in turn reports to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer/ Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Operations), who is a professional technically qualified officer. In addition one Senior Fire officer is rostered on call each week to assist in the handling of emergency incidents.
New Equipment & Training
During 2010 as part of the Service's policy of improving the systems and equipment in line with current international best practice Fall Arrest equipment was purchased to enhance the safety of crews when working at height. Training in the use of this equipment was carried out and the equipment was issued to all stations and was brought into operatioinal use on October 6th 2010. This equipment is seen as an important life safety tool for all operational personnel operating at a height where a fall could result in injury. It will be used in all situations where personnel are required to work from ladders or roofs, e.g.chimney fires. See photo gallery for photos of Fall Arrest training. The equipment is designed specifically for fire service operations and ensures that any personnel working at height are attached to a secure anchor at all times, and in the event of a fall if used correctly will prevent serious injuries resulting from falls from heights.