North Wales confirms two assistant chief fire officer appointments

by Featured NewsPeople

New appointments strengthen fire leadership in Wales

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) has confirmed the permanent appointments of Justin Evans and Anthony Jones as Assistant Chief Fire Officers.

According to NWFRS, the two appointments were finalised following a recruitment process described as open and inclusive, involving stakeholder panels and interviews conducted by Fire Authority representatives from all six North Wales counties.

Evans and Jones will join Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Helen MacArthur on the Executive Board.

The service said the appointments form part of its ongoing plans to modernise leadership and continue long-term development work across the region.

Background and career history of Justin Evans

Justin Evans began his firefighting career in 1994 with the former Clwyd Fire Service.

He has since worked in several operational and senior leadership roles within North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Prior to his permanent appointment, Evans had been serving as Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

His three decades of experience within the Welsh fire service were cited by the service as a key strength in the recruitment process.

Evans said: “I’m incredibly honoured to take on this leadership role and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the Service.

“My focus will be on building long-term resilience by investing in the skills and development of our people, ensuring we’re ready to meet future challenges and continue providing a first-class service to the communities of North Wales.”

Operational experience and leadership of Anthony Jones

Anthony Jones began his career with London Fire Brigade before joining Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He served in Cheshire for 19 years, taking on various leadership and incident command roles.

In 2022, he joined NWFRS as an Area Manager, later serving in the position of Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

NWFRS said Jones brings substantial operational experience and a focus on collaboration and innovation.

Jones said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

“Drawing on my experience, I’m passionate about working collaboratively to encourage openness, drive innovation, and help shape the Service’s future direction.

“I look forward to supporting colleagues as we move forward together.”

Selection process and leadership priorities

NWFRS said the recruitment process was open and inclusive, involving a formal assessment that included written submissions, stakeholder engagement, and panel interviews.

Both candidates participated in a stakeholder panel that included representative bodies.

The final interviews were conducted by six Fire Authority members, one from each North Wales county.

The organisation said the process was designed to reflect its commitment to openness in leadership appointments.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: “Both appointments are committed leaders who understand that how we work – our culture and our values – is just as important as what we do.

“They share a determination to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and where openness and transparency are central to our leadership approach.

“I am proud to welcome them to the team on a permanent basis.”

Response from the fire authority

Cllr Dylan Rees, Chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, supported the appointments.

He said the selection panel was impressed by the experience and professionalism of both candidates.

Rees said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to confirm these appointments with such outstanding candidates.

“I’m confident they will both meet the challenges ahead and continue to uphold the high standards of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“I look forward to working alongside them.”

The Fire Authority continues to oversee senior leadership appointments and service governance across the region.

North Wales confirms two assistant chief fire officer appointments: Summary

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the permanent appointment of two new Assistant Chief Fire Officers.

The appointees are Justin Evans and Anthony Jones.

Both leaders had been serving in temporary versions of the role before being formally appointed.

Evans began his career with Clwyd Fire Service in 1994.

Jones started his career with London Fire Brigade and later worked for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

NWFRS said both appointments followed a rigorous recruitment process.

The process included written submissions, a stakeholder panel, and interviews with Fire Authority members.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said the appointments reflect the service’s leadership culture and values.

Cllr Dylan Rees welcomed the appointments on behalf of the Fire Authority.

North Wales Fire & Rescue voice support for Register My Appliance Week

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyUtilities

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Register My Appliance Week (20-26 January 2025) and is urging all households to register these machines, small or large, to ensure their brands know where to find them.

Whether machines are newly-purchased, long-installed, have been acquired ‘nearly-new’ or second-hand, registration is needed to help ensure the longest possible safe lifespan.

According to research, households could be missing out on important safety information because they have yet to register over 40 million large appliances in use in their homes.

With an estimated 133 million fridges, washing machines and ovens in use in UK homes, nearly a third of household have never or rarely registered their large appliances, rendering them extremely hard to trace if a safety repair is ever needed.

Survey on household appliances

A new survey by OnePoll for the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) found that two thirds (68%) of baby boomers said they could not live without their washing machine, closely followed by Gen X (67%). Millennials differed, however, with 56% valuing equally their washer and fridge.

Inter-generational harmony was shown over the impact washing machines had on domestic life with more than half (58%) agreeing it was significant. High regard was also given to vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, fridges and freezers.

The survey by OnePoll also revealed products once considered luxury items are now regarded as everyday necessities by younger generations. Two thirds of Gen Z considered hair tongs, tumble dryers and air fryers as necessities rather than luxury items. By contrast, however, nearly half (47%) of Gen X (just two ‘generations’ older) consider the trusty tumble dryer an extravagance.

Head of Prevention, North Wales Fire and Rescue, Kevin Jones’ statement

Kevin Jones, Head of Prevention for North Wales Fire and Rescue said : “We all value how appliances have changed our lives and are excited by how smart and efficient tech makes chores easier. However, it’s important to ensure these machines we use everyday are registered. It’s quick as well as absolutely free, and means you will be the first to know if a safety repair is ever needed. Just a few minutes well spent will ensure you can enjoy the machine’s perks without sacrificing safety.”

Recalls on home appliances are rare but issues with the equipment can develop over time and a simple, free in-home adjustment by a qualified engineer can ensure a longer and safer life for machines. But, unlike our cars for which logging details is mandatory, a vast number of these valuable possessions are still untraceable because they are unregistered.

Register My Appliance Week backed by North Wales Fire & Rescue Service: Summary

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced their support for Register My Appliance Week, taking part over the 20-26 January 2025. Registering your household appliance is necessary for a longer lifespan and to optimise user safety.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority invites public input on 2025-26 community risk plan

by Featured News

Public invited to contribute to North Wales risk management plan

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority has opened a public consultation for its Community Risk Management Implementation Plan (CRMP) for 2025-26, aiming to gather insights from residents to help shape safety objectives across the region.

This initiative builds on the five-year Community Risk Management Plan introduced in July 2024, which outlines the Authority’s goals for risk reduction, fire prevention, and emergency response in North Wales, and follows the first annual implementation plan for 2024-25.

Key objectives of the 2025-26 community risk plan

The 2025-26 Implementation Plan is designed to further the five-year strategy of reducing risks and enhancing community safety.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx highlighted the purpose of the CRMP, explaining: “One of the key objectives for fire and rescue services in Wales is to continually and sustainably reduce risk and enhance the safety of citizens and communities.”

She noted that the CRMP is intended to identify local risks, detailing strategies for risk management, prevention, and emergency response.

This plan follows previous consultations and builds on improvement and well-being objectives already set for the Authority.

Importance of community feedback

Feedback from the community is essential to the plan’s effectiveness, according to both the Chief Fire Officer and the Authority’s leadership.

Chief Fire Officer Docx emphasised the importance of public engagement: “We now want our communities to take part in a consultation on the Community Risk Management Implementation Plan for 2025-26.”

She further encouraged residents to review whether identified risks align with the Authority’s goals and long-term objectives.

Councillor Dylan Rees, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “Feedback from those who live, work and visit our region is really important – we want to know what you think about our plans before we as a Fire and Rescue Authority make any final decisions.”

Consultation details and deadlines

The consultation period began on 21 October 2024 and is set to close at midnight on 16 December 2024.

Community members are encouraged to participate by filling out a consultation questionnaire, providing their perspectives on the proposed plan.

Councillor Rees reiterated the value of public input: “The more people get involved, the better informed we can be so that we can ensure we continue to keep our communities as safe as possible.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority encourages public consultation on 2025-26 risk plan: Summary

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority has launched a consultation for its Community Risk Management Implementation Plan for 2025-26, seeking public input to shape its goals for safety and risk reduction in the region.

The plan, which builds on a five-year risk management strategy introduced in 2024, aims to identify and manage local risks while setting strategies for fire prevention and emergency response.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx and Councillor Dylan Rees have both emphasised the need for community feedback, with the consultation running from 21 October to 16 December 2024.

North Wales faces potential fire service cuts, FBU responds

by Featured News

In the wake of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s latest announcement, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has voiced concerns over the proposed cuts to the service.

This statement comes after several months of active campaigning by the Fire Brigades Union.

Proposed cuts focus on Rhyl and Deeside

While the Fire Authority has decided to discard two of the three proposed austerity options, the remaining choice is set to decrease fire cover.

This is expected to significantly affect the areas of Rhyl and Deeside.

The final decision on the proposed cuts is scheduled for the Fire Authority meeting on 18 December.

Duncan Stewart-Ball, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for Wales, expressed his concerns: “Thousands of people across North Wales have communicated that they won’t tolerate reductions to their fire service.

“We’ve witnessed significant attendance at rallies and public engagement events during this consultation.

“Our communities have stood side by side with firefighters in opposition to these proposed reductions.

“Thanks to such vast mobilisation, two of the three austerity options have been dismissed.

“However, Rhyl and Deeside are bracing for a notable reduction in fire cover.

“This could potentially jeopardise both lives and homes in the area.

“Recent events demonstrate the high regard residents have for their firefighters and the critical service they offer.

“A second-class fire service is not acceptable for North Wales.

“Instead of these detrimental cuts, we require immediate investment to enhance our fire service, ensuring the safety of our communities in the foreseeable future.

“Hence, the FBU is suggesting options for progress and expansion, opposing these suggested reductions.”

IFSJ Comment

The situation unfolding in North Wales is indicative of the challenges fire services face globally.

Reducing fire cover can have profound implications, particularly in regions like Rhyl and Deeside.

This story highlights the importance of public opinion and mobilisation in influencing key decisions.

It is commendable to see communities rallying with firefighters, emphasising the indispensable nature of their services.

It’s also a reminder for authorities everywhere to consider long-term safety implications over short-term budgetary savings.

North Wales fire chief issues safety warning after laptop battery sparks house fire in Rhuddlan

by Featured News

A senior fire safety officer has issued a safety warning following a fire involving a replacement laptop battery in Rhuddlan last night (6th July).

Crews from Rhyl and St Asaph attended the fire at Tan yr Eglwys, Rhuddlan at shortly before 10.40pm.

The fire caused damage to the laptop, the kitchen table where the laptop was charging and blackening to the wall. Firefighters used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Simon Bromley, Community Safety Manager for Conwy and Denbighshire, said: “With more and more people working from home, we’re using laptops and other electrical items more often.

“Everyday electrical items pose fire risks – but there are things we can do to reduce these risks and help keep safe.

“Batteries can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or if they are damaged. If replacing a battery, always buy branded items from reputable suppliers.

“It is really important to charge them safely too, and avoid charging overnight or covering chargers or electrical items.

“The occupant was in the room when the fire broke out – thankfully they also had working smoke alarms fitted which sounded and would have raised the alarm.

“Electrical fires can strike anytime, anywhere so having working smoke alarms fitted in your home will help protect you and your family.”

The fire service has provided the following tips on staying safe when using batteries and chargers:

  • Always use the charger that came with your phone, tablet, e-cigarette or mobile device.
  • If you need to buy a replacement battery or charger, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference. Counterfeit electrical chargers can be deadly – many fail to meet UK safety regulations leading to fires and injury.
  • Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
  • Protect batteries against being damaged – that’s crushed, punctured or immersed in water.
  • Don’t leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete – don’t leave chargers plugged in overnight.
  • Never cover chargers or charging devices – that includes using your laptop power lead in bed.
  • When you travel, avoid keeping all your items containing lithium ion batteries together, especially on a plane. Check with your flight carrier for additional information or advice.