Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue

Your Fire Service

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has 27 Fire Stations strategically located across the two counties and has 325 full time operational staff, 369 retained Firefighters and officers, 26 Fire Control staff and 142 support staff. We also host one of 29 national Urban Search and Rescue specialist units.

The Service attends approximately 9,000 emergency incidents each year. The majority of calls for assistance are to fires, road traffic collisions and alerts from automatic alarm systems.

In our area in particular, there are also calls for rope rescues, for grass fires in open areas, and to assist when floods strike. We have highly trained specialist teams to deal with these specific types of emergencies.

Our long term vision is ‘making Herefordshire and Worcestershire safer from fire and other hazards and to improve community well-being'.

Home Fire Safety Check

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) is committed to reducing the number of fires in the home, and to support this, offers free Home Fire Safety Checks to residents across the two counties.

What is a Home Fire Safety Check

In brief, it's a visit to your home by a member of H&WFRS's Community Safety Team, who will offer a range of fire safety advice to keep you and your family safe. Members of the team will also install smoke alarms where needed, and will encourage you to work out an escape plan specific to your home and circumstances.

This can be as simple as heading down the stairs, knowing where your keys are, unlocking the door and leaving the property, but can make a huge difference if a fire breaks out in your home, particularly at night.

Who can have one?

Home Fire Safety Checks are offered free of charge to those who qualify. They are targeted primarily at the more vulnerable groups in the community. This would include the elderly, people living alone and those with reduced mobility or other issues. Contact us to see if you qualify.

Many referrals for Home Fire Safety Checks are made through other agencies, but Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service would urge anyone who thinks an elderly family member, friend or neighbour might benefit from a visit to get in touch and request one on their behalf.

How can I arrange to have one?

Contact our Community Safety Team on 0800 032 1155 who will arrange to visit at a time that is convenient to you.

Home Fire Safety

There are some very simple steps you can take to help protect you and your family from fire. Below you will see guidance as to how to protect your home from the dangers of fire in a number of area-

• Check your smoke alarms every week
• Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, better still fit an alarm
• Test your electric blankets every year and replace them every 10
• Do not overload electrical sockets
• Be careful with candles and don't place them near flammable materials
• Be careful when cooking and never leave pans unattended
• Always have an escape route in case of fire.

In the event of a fire

• Alert everyone.
• Get straight out.
• Avoid smoke by keeping low.
• Only open doors you need to for your escape.
• Always check the door for heat first with the back of your hand (if hot find another route).
• Once outside call the Fire Service, stating your full address
• DO NOT GO BACK IN, GET OUT,STAY OUT,
• GET THE FIRE SERVICE OUT.