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News

Less fires, but more floods and traffic incidents for our fire service

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THE MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has recently published its latest Performance and Improvement Progress Report, providing a comprehensive overview of its performance and operational response from April 2023 to March 2024. This report details the number and nature of incidents attended and reviews the prevention and response strategies and initiatives undertaken to enhance service delivery.

While it may be commonly assumed that Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) predominantly respond to fires, the report highlights a significant shift in the types of incidents attended by MAWWFRS. Over the past year, the number of fires attended has dropped by almost 15%, from 3,023 incidents in 2022-2023 to 2,582 in 2023-2024. Fires, whether accidental or deliberate, now make up only 19.8% of the total number of incidents attended by the Service.

However, there has been an increase in other types of incidents. The total number of incidents attended rose by 2%, with a notable rise in road traffic collisions and flooding incidents requiring MAWWFRS’s attention. The number of flooding incidents increased from 349 in 2022-2023 to 393 in 2023-2024, marking a 12% increase.

False alarms constitute the highest percentage of all incidents attended by the Service, with almost 6,000 callouts during this period. In response to this, MAWWFRS has announced a change in the way it responds to Automatic Fire Alarms, effective from 1st July 2024, to make better use of its resources.

MAWWFRS provides emergency response cover, home safety checks, business inspections, and education programmes across approximately 4,500 square miles, serving a population of over 910,000 people living in more than 430,000 households. The Service’s 58 fire stations cover approximately two-thirds of Wales, with all these services costing each resident within the Service area just £6 a month.

The Performance and Improvement Progress Report has underscored the dramatic change in the landscape of incidents that FRSs now attend. This is supported by the Welsh Government’s summary of fire and rescue incidents for 2022-2023, which shows a downward trend in the number of fires since 2001-2002, with a nearly 70% decrease in these incidents across Wales. In recent years, MAWWFRS crews have responded to an increasing number of medically related incidents (over 1,000 in 2023-2024). Firefighters have received additional training to handle medical emergencies, and new medical equipment, such as defibrillators, have been introduced on fire engines.

Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of road traffic collisions (over 700 in 2023-2024) and flooding-related incidents (393 in 2023-2024) that MAWWFRS has responded to. This demonstrates that public perception of what FRSs do is markedly different from the reality.

In recognising this shift, the Service has launched its Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, which outlines how MAWWFRS intends to address the risks, threats, and challenges facing the communities it serves. It also highlights how the Service will work to ensure that its assets and resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

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ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

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Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

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THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

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Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

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NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

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