Where are your fire stations located?
We have 19 strategically placed stations across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. They are located at (listed in alphabetical order): Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Brill, Broughton, Buckingham, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Newport Pagnell, Olney, Princes Risborough, Stokenchurch, Waddesdon, West Ashland and Winslow. Details about our fire stations and their locations can be found on our ‘About Us‘ page.
My smoke alarm is beeping what do I do?
A beeping or chirping smoke alarm can indicate a fault with the battery or sensor within it. Although the smoke alarm may continue to work in the short term when the beep is intermittent, the cause of the beeping needs to be investigated and if necessary the smoke alarm should be replaced.
What is the fitness test for Wholetime Firefighters?
As part of our Wholetime Firefighters fitness tests you will be required to complete the Bleep Test to a level 8.6, as well as the completion of 3 strength tests. These include Equipment Grip and Carry (testing aerobic endurance and grip), Ladder Haul-Aloft (testing upper body strength) and a Push-Pull test. If you are considering applying, it is advisable that you start working on your fitness and strength in advance. If you are successful at the early stages of the process, you will then be ready for the fitness test. It is also important that you maintain your fitness.
I have a disability – can I apply for a Support Staff role?
Yes you can. We welcome all applications. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked if you have a disability, and asked to give details of the type of adjustments you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role you are applying for, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and, where reasonable adjustments can be made, your application will be progressed.
How do I apply to be a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
At stage two of the recruitment process you will be given a link to our online application form. This happens after you have attended one of our On-Call awareness evenings. You can sign up for an awareness evening here.
What stations are recruiting On-Call Firefighters?
You can find out which On-Call fire stations are recruiting by clicking here.
What are the fitness requirements to be an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
Our On-Call Firefighters are a required to meet set role-related standards this includes a bleep test pass mark of 8.6. Anyone applying to become an On-Call Firefighter with us will need to reach these standards at stage four of the recruitment process. More information about the On-Call role related testing is available here.
What are the steps to become an On-Call Firefighter?
There are seven steps to becoming an On-Call Firefighter with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. They are:
1. Awareness evening
2. Application form
3. Interview
4. Written and role-based tests
5. Occupational health medical
6. Formal offer of employment
7. Induction day
I have a concern about a fire risk in a business or flats - who do I tell?
If you are concerned about a possible fire risk, please let us know.
Our business engagement and fire safety teams will investigate or give advice as appropriate.
Please contact your local fire safety office with as much information as you can, using the Contact Us page on the website under ‘Safety in the workplace’.
If the concern is an emergency, dial 999.
Can you recommend a fire safety training provider?
As a regulatory authority we can not recommend a training provider or provide training. There are many organisations that provide training either at a central venue, or your business. When selecting a provider and course, consider any significant findings from your fire risk assessment and your procedures.
Do you run fire safety training courses - for example, use of extinguishers/how to complete a fire risk assessment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to provide training or conduct risk assessments as this could lead to a conflict of interest.
Do I need to notify you about building works or plans for new buildings?
No. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service are statutory consultees, which means that we are consulted by the Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspector responsible for signing off the construction work. We are notified of all building work through this process, so you only need to deal with one point of contact.
Can you advise on the best place to purchase fire doors, extinguishers or other fire safety equipment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to recommend or endorse any particular business or provider. There are companies who can supply this kind of equipment, and the following UK trade organisations can provide advice:
– Association for Specialist Fire Protection
– British Woodworking Federation
– Glass and Glazing Federation
– Door and Hardware Federation
– British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association
– XACT
I am running an event; do I need a licence or permit from the fire service?
No, although you may be required to obtain permission or a Temporary Event Notice from your Local Authority Licensing team.
Do I need to inform or get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display?
You do not need to get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display. These sorts of events are licensed by the Local Authority, so you do need to contact them, and follow any instructions they give. Sales of fireworks are regulated by Trading Standards.
I have a shop/office/business. Can someone from the fire service come and check for fire safety?
We can give advice on how to comply with your duties under the Fire Safety Order, however we cannot fulfil these duties on your behalf. If you are still unsure, it may be worth employing a Competent Person to conduct the risk assessment for you.
I have a small pub, I don’t have any staff and do all the work myself, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes. You are responsible not only for yourself, but also the people that enter your premises. You must ensure that there are adequate fire safety arrangements. As you hold a licence to sell alcohol, you must also record the findings in a fire risk assessment.
I run a business out of my small workshop. I am self-employed, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes you must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions and record the findings of your assessment. This is called a Fire Risk Assessment and if our fire safety inspectors were to visit your business, they would wish to see this to show that you understand your fire risks.
What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order?
The Responsible Person is required to:
– Carry out, or nominate someone to carry out, a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards
– Consider who may be at risk
– Eliminate/reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical, and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
– Take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
– Create a plan to deal with any emergency and document the findings
– Review the findings
What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order?
You must:
– Take general fire precautions
– Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the general fire precautions
– Apply the principles of prevention, implementing fire safety measures
– Plan, organise, control, monitor, review fire safety measures
– Eliminate/reduce risks
– Maintain fire safety equipment and devices
– Provide fire safety information and training to employees
And ensure premises:
– Are equipped with firefighting equipment
– Have fire detectors and alarms
– Have safe emergency routes and exits
– Have safe procedures to follow
– Have additional measures for dangerous substances
Where does the Fire Safety Order apply?
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space. For example:
– Offices and shops
– Premises that provide care
– Community halls
– Common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
– Pubs, clubs and restaurants
– Schools
– Tents and marquees
– Hotels and hostels
– Factories and warehouses
It does not apply to domestic premises occupied by a single family.
Does a business need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions and record the findings in a Fire Risk Assessment. If a fire safety inspector visits your business, they would wish to see this to show that you understand your fire risks.
How do I dispose of unwanted/old fire extinguishers?
You should contact your local waste disposal site and enquire about local policies. Please do not bring old or unwanted fire extinguishers to a fire station.
Do you test/recharge fire extinguishers?
Unfortunately we do not offer this service. Your extinguishers may be leased and/or be under a maintenance contract and initially this should be looked into. There are many companies which offer these services and we would recommend looking for those who are part of a trade organisations such as the Fire Industry Association or Fire Extinguishing Trades Association.
Does a business need to have fire extinguishers?
You should look at the appropriate guide for your type of business premises and judge the appropriate type of extinguisher based upon the risks. In general though you should provide one fire extinguisher for every 200m2, with at least two extinguishers on each floor.
If you operate within a very small premises, and only occupy one floor, then one extinguisher appropriate to the level of risk may be ok. Guidance should be sought from a competent fire extinguisher provider.
