Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) have obtained 92 fire escape hoods, to help protect local communities during fire related incidents.
During the early hours of 14 June 2017, a fire broke out at Grenfell Tower, London. This tragic event took the lives of 72 people.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 1 Report (2019), recommended that:
“All Fire and Rescue Services be equipped with smoke hoods to assist in the evacuation of occupants through smoke-filled exit routes.”
A fire escape hood (smoke hood) is designed to conceal the full head and face. One size fits all, which protects the head and eyes from:
- dust,
- gases,
- vapours,
- splashes of liquid chemicals,
- heat,
- sparks,
- brief exposure to flame.
Firefighters will provide fire escape hoods to members of the public, who are unable to escape due to fire or effects of smoke.
HFRS have fire escape hoods on all frontline fire engines, 92 in total. In cases where a fire escape hood is needed, firefighters will support occupants to fit and secure the hood correctly and escort them to safety.
Paul McCourt, Director of Service Delivery said,
“We respond quickly and effectively to emergency incidents and our priority is keeping our communities and firefighters safe.”
“Fire Smoke Hoods are designed to protect during an evacuation. Occupants will only be asked to wear one for their own safety”