Latest news with #GMFRS
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'It is not worth dying for a dip': Warning issued as temperatures soar
A warning has been issued over swimming in open water as temperatures soar. It is anticipated to push towards 30 degrees Celsius across the region today (Friday). And Greater Manchester Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said they are urging people to be 'be careful around open water.' READ MORE: "I can't change it, but wow am I paying for it": Mum gets STUCK in Turkey after making 'worst mistake of my life' in hotel room while drunk with boyfriend READ MORE: Mum, 40, and daughter, 8, found dead at home as more details heard into tragedy GMFRS said there been four deaths in water in the last twelve weeks alone – more than caused by fire in the same time. They have attended 23 fatal water incidents since April last year and 65 since April 2020, they said. In a statement issued as part of Drowning Prevention Week, they said 'water is often a lot shallower than it appears, and hidden hazards lurk below the surface', and that cold water shock can be fatal, even to strong swimmers. They urged people who may get into trouble to 'float to live' and tilt their head back with their ears submerged and for bystanders or witnesses to 'call, tell, throw' - ring 999, tell the person to float and to throw something for them to grab on. Area Manager Billy Fenwick, Head of Prevention at GMFRS, said: 'It is vitally important that everyone knows, even strong swimmers, that there are always dangers with open water. Cold water shock can kill, and there are often hazards in water that are not seen from the surface. It is not worth dying for a dip. 'If you see someone in trouble in the water, remember: 'Float to Live'. "Always call 999 and ask for fire - or the coastguard by sea - if you see someone struggling in water, tell them to float and throw them a float aid if there is one nearby. 'We will be emphasising these messages throughout the summer and working with local communities and schools to get this across.' -- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Warning after four drownings in 12 weeks in Greater Manchester
Four people have drowned in open water in the past 12 weeks in Greater Manchester, firefighters have said as they issued a safety warning ahead of the school fire service said there had been a slight rise in the number of fatalities to 23 since April 2024, compared to the previous Fenwick, head of prevention at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said jumping into open water could be fatal and there were "always dangers" including for strong swimmers."Cold water shock can kill and there are often hazards in water that are not seen from the surface. It is not worth dying for a dip." He said firefighters were "working with local communities and schools to get this across". GMFRS said 65 people had died due to drowning in open water in the region since April four deaths over the past 12 weeks were more than those caused by fires during the same period, GMFRS advised people to ring 999 when seeing someone in difficulty and not to go in the water but instead encourage the person to float on their back while throwing them an item that those who get into trouble in water, they encouraged tilting their head back with ears submerged, and relaxing and breathing normally while moving hands and legs to stay afloat."It's fine if your legs sink, we all float differently," GMFRS said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Middleton: Firefighters continue to tackle large blaze
Firefighters remain at the scene of a large blaze at a storage unit, nearly two days after it broke Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) crews were called out to Old Hall Street in Middleton at about 17:00 BST on Wednesday.A GMFRS spokesperson said four fire engines were still tackling the blaze at a large commercial storage premises."Due to the unsafe structure of the building, firefighting continues to take place externally," they said. They added people had been advised to avoid the area with road closures still in place and residents asked to keep windows and doors closed if nearby. "We will continue to work alongside Rochdale Council and partner agencies to support local residents and businesses affected," they 45 firefighters have been tackling the blaze, with many wearing gas are no reports of any injuries. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Roof of Middleton storage unit COLLAPSES as major fire burns for second day
The roof of a Middleton storage unit which caught fire yesterday has collapsed. Firefighters rushed to the scene yesterday, with crews swarming the streets outside as foul-smelling smoke seeped between doors. Today the fire is continuing to burn, with firefighters deploying cranes in their efforts to bring it under control. A cordon was put in place yesterday, and this appears to have now been extended to cover the entire car park around the building. READ MORE: Teenagers jailed following violent incident on Salford street READ MORE: Police investigate after man found unresponsive in Stockport Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Black smoke can be seen belching from upper windows in the building as firefighters deploy in "challenging conditions". A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: 'Crews have worked hard overnight to contain the fire at the commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton. 'Six fire engines, the aerial unit and scorpion remain in attendance to tackle pockets of fire and make the building safe in challenging conditions. "Road closures remain in place with nearby residents advised to keep their doors and windows shut." A spokesperson for Storage World, the company which runs the unit, said: "Our Middleton store has suffered a serious fire. Authorities are currently in attendance and we will be contacting customers as soon as the situation has settled and we can assess the damage. This will be no later than Friday afternoon. "Please do not contact us directly but wait for us to communicate with you, as this will allow us to manage the current situation and ensure all customers are given accurate information as soon as possible. "More information will also be posted here when available. Please do not visit the store as it is cordoned off by the fire services and customers will not be able to access it for some time. "We appreciate this will be a stressful and distressing situation for our customers. We are doing everything in our power to assist authorities and provide accurate information as soon as possible."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters tackle large blaze at storage unit
Firefighters have tackled a large blaze at a storage unit. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) crews were called to Old Hall Street, Middleton, at 17:00 BST on Wednesday. More than 40 firefighters tackled the fire, with many wearing gas masks. There were no reports of injuries as flames were brought under control. A GMFRS spokesperson said residents had been asked to "to keep their windows and doors closed due to a large amount of fire being produced." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Company 'heartbroken' after large storage site fire Faulty battery link to storage unit fire - report Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
