Latest news with #AvonFireandRescueService
Daily Mail
25-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Hero fireman sues after being disciplined for using the term 'fireman'
A hero firefighter is suing his former fire service after being disciplined for not preventing his staff from saying the term 'fireman'. Simon Bailey, 58, who was previously praised for his bravery, was handed a warning and downgraded after using the 'sexist' word. The ex-Avon Fire and Rescue Service firefighter said he felt dismayed and physically unwell after receiving the disciplinary letter. Recalling how his 'world came crashing down', he revealed the ordeal has left him a shell of his former self. He told The Sun: 'When I received the disciplinary letter, I felt physically sick and devastated. I became a shell of myself. 'This is not how I wanted my 27 years of service to end. I don't tend to tell people I used to be a firefighter as I almost feel embarrassed because of the way I was treated. 'I have a letter of commendation from the chief, congratulating me on my service, but it's just left in a drawer now.' Now, he has taken his former station to an employment tribunal on the grounds of constructive dismissal. Barrister, Adam Griffiths, representing Mr Bailey, questioned assistant fire chief Luke Gazzard, who led the disciplinary investigation, about the use of the term 'fireman'. At a hearing in Bristol, he challenged Mr Gazzard on holding an employee to such a standard about a word that has been used for 'the last 150 years'. He went on to suggest there would 'obviously' be a formal letter or a directive to enforce such standards. The disciplinary probe came after a female firefighter Sasha Acheson claimed she experienced sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation at the same station. The former England rugby player won the sex discrimination and constructive dismissal case as well as numerous claims of sex harassment, victimisation and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation. Later, it was concluded a crew manager had made offensive comments to the firefighter, who was gay, and, in a separate case, she is set to win compensation totaling to over £50,000. Representing Avon Fire and Rescue Service, barrister Emma Sole, contested Mr Bailey, their boss, did not answer a 'serious grievance'. The watch manager's claim is set to be decided at a later date.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Wales Online
Woman dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in river
Woman dies after getting into difficulty while swimming in river Onlookers reported witnessing numerous emergency vehicles descending on the river near to a bridge An aerial view of the River Avon at Bathampton Meadows, near where the incident happened (Image: Google Maps ) A woman in her 30s has died whilst swimming in the River Avon near Bath. A coroner's report is being compiled following the tragic incident at Bathampton, on Bath's outskirts, on Friday evening. Onlookers reported witnessing numerous emergency vehicles descending on the Grosvenor Bridge Road area including two fire service units from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, multiple police vehicles and paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service. River footpaths were sealed off to walkers alongside neighbouring roads. Avon and Somerset Police have now released a statement. A force spokesperson said: "Shortly before 7.20pm on Friday, July 11 we received a report that a woman in her 30s had got into difficulty in the River Avon at Bathampton. "She had last been seen swimming in the water close to the Grosvenor Bridge Road footbridge. "Emergency services attended the scene, with Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the National Police Air Service helicopter leading the search efforts. Article continues below "At approximately 8.15pm the fire service located the woman who was recovered from the water. Unfortunately she was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. "The woman's next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them following these tragic events. "A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course, but the circumstances of the woman's death are believed to be non-suspicious." Fire service and RNLI advice on river swimming is that cold water shock can happen in water temperatures below 15 degrees. The average sea temperature in the UK is 12 degrees with rivers being colder even during the summer months. Entering the water too swiftly such as jumping into a river or lake can send your body into shock and can trigger heart attacks – even in young and healthy people. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Body of woman in her 30s recovered from River Avon after she got into difficulty while swimming
The body was recovered within an hour of police arriving at the scene RIVER TRAGEDY Body of woman in her 30s recovered from River Avon after she got into difficulty while swimming Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BODY has been recovered in the search for a woman who got into difficulty while swimming in the River Avon. Emergency services rushed to the scene by the river, near Bath, at around 7.20pm yesterday following reports the woman, in her 30s, was struggling in the water. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The body was recovered from the River Avon near Bath Credit: Google Avon and Somerset Police said she had been swimming in the river close to the footbridge at Grosvenor Bridge Road. Following a search by Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the National Police Air service, a body was discovered at about 8.15pm. The woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police said: "The woman's next of kin have been informed. "Our thoughts are with them following these tragic events. "A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course, but the circumstances of the woman's death are believed to be non-suspicious." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Motorway traffic affected by smoke from nearby fire
People driving on the motorway in rush hour were met with large plumes of smoke earlier from a fire near a campsite. Avon Fire and Rescue Service were tackling a pile of rubbish that caught fire just off King Weston Lane in Avonmouth, Bristol. National Highways placed slow signs along the M5 in the area as the smoke travelled across the carriageway. A spokesperson for the fire service said there were no reports of any injuries and the fire had now been extinguished. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol They said they had found some gas cylinders in the area and efforts were made to ensure they were safe. One fire engine from Gloucester also assisted with extra water. Fire crews have now left the scene. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pregnant women moved to safety as fire breaks out on roof of maternity hospital
A maternity hospital in Bristol has been swarmed with firefighters after a blaze appeared to break out on the building's roof. Emergency services were called to the scene at St Michael's Hospital at about 4.30pm on Thursday (May 22, PA reported. Dramatic footage captured from the roof of a nearby building showed huge plumes of black smoke and leaping flames on the hospital's roof. Pregnant women were removed from the site, according to reports. READ MORE: The Spanish island 'struggling' with rising UK tourist numbers READ MORE: Dad slit throats of his kids to prevent their screams after being 'caught red-handed' Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was extinguished in 'less than an hour' and the cause will be investigated, with the service urging people to avoid the area. Avon Fire and Rescue Service posted on Facebook saying: 'We're currently responding to a fire on Southwell Street, Bristol. 'We encourage people to avoid the area while we deal with the incident. Further updates will be issued.' The post was later updated saying: 'We can confirm that the fire has safely been extinguished. The cause of the fire will be investigated.' A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Police are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue colleagues at the scene of a fire at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol which was reported at about 4.30pm on Thursday May 22. 'St Michael's Hill is closed to vehicles and pedestrians and people are urged to avoid the area if at all possible.' A University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'We're responding to an incident at St Michael's Hospital, we will provide a further update shortly.' Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
