Police are investigating after a car was set on fire on a driveway in Lincoln.

Police received a report at around 2am on May 5 that a blue Mini Cooper on was alight on Fulmar Road in Birchwood.

Officers and firefighters attended the scene and extinguished the fire. No one was injured.

Lincolnshire Police are now trying to determine if the fire was deliberate or not.

1 of 2: 02:01: Lincoln South attended a car fire on Fulmar Road, Lincoln. Severe fire, heat and smoke damage to one Mini Cooper.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) May 5, 2014

2 of 2: Extinguished with 2 BA and 1 hosereel. Cause believed to be deliberate.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) May 5, 2014

Anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious around the area should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident 26 of  May 5.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Personnel from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team have been deployed to assist with serious flooding in the Balkans.

The seven Lincolnshire personnel will form part of the UK ISAR Flood Response force to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The team is made up of Simon York (Team Leader), Dave Philips, Chris Jefferson, Chris Lowe, Ash Hildred, John Crowder and Alun Roberts.

They join 33 firefighters from Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Merseyside, West Midlands, Mid and West Wales and West Sussex who flew from Manchester along with rescue equipment including four rigid inflatable boats and engines.

When deployed the firefighters will be self-sufficient for up to 10 days and operate four powered rescue boat teams, 24 hours a day, in support of the affected communities.

At least 44 people are known to have died as a result of the flooding across Bosnia and Serbia, with death tolls expected to rise.

Police are appealing for information after a red Vauxhall Corsa was deliberately set on fire on Rasen Lane in Lincoln – the fifth car fire reported this month.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to attend the fire at around 5am on Sunday, May 18.

They confirmed that the cause had been intentional arson.

Lincolnshire Police arrived at the scene at around 5.10am and have been conducting local enquiries.

There were no reported injuries at the scene.

The incident follows a spate of vehicle fires in Lincoln.

Four other car fires have been reported this month, all from the Birchwood area.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call them on 101, quoting incident number 112 of May 18.

Lincolnshire’s International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team have rescued 62 people on their mission in the Balkans.

As previously reported, the rescue team of seven was deployed to assist with serious flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They joined forces with 33 other firefighters from Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Merseyside, West Midlands, Mid and West Wales and West Sussex to help affected communities.

The team went out with boats and equipment on May 20, undertaking 42 rescues in the process, helping 52 people. They also helped 10 people on their first day, May 19.

The team searched over 16 sq km of waterlogged terrain in 35-degree heats, rescuing people from flood water with depths of over 2.5 metres in low level places.

They also delivered food and water to those who choose to stay in the heavily affected areas.

The team said that they “encountered a number of vulnerable people who have been trapped in their homes and are unable to swim to safety due to the distances involved. They also have little water or food.”

Flooding is widespread but receding, they said.

According to the ISAR team, local residents are also grateful of the help they have received from the service. So far the team are fit and well and in good spirits.

At least 44 people are known to have died as a result of the flooding across Bosnia and Serbia, with death tolls expected to rise.

Firefighters extinguished a fire on an empty train at Lincoln Central.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called at the train station at 10.39am on Sunday, June 1.

Three crews from Lincoln North, South and Waddington attended the fire.

Along with a Network Rail team, they used one hose reel to cool and damp down the fire.

There was severe damage to a heater on the carriage where the fire started.

It’s believed the carriage was empty at the time of the fire.

No one was injured and train services in and out of Lincoln were not affected.

1 of 2 10:39 Crews from Lincoln North, Lincoln South and Waddington attended a fire on an unoccupied train at Lincoln Railway Station.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) June 1, 2014

2 of 2 Severe damage by fire to one auxiliary heater. Fire and Rescue used 1 hose reel to assist Network Rail in cooling and damping down.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) June 1, 2014

Firefighters in Lincolnshire will join national strikes once again, including a 24-hour strike next week.

A 24-hour strike will take place from 9am on Thursday, June 12, with another set for 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 21.

In the time between the two strikes firefighters will also not carry out any voluntary overtime or conduct training of strikebreakers between the beginning of the first strike and 9am on Sunday, June 22.

Across England and Wales firefighters will strike over the government’s confirmed pension scheme.

The decision to strike was made at a meeting of the Fire Brigade Union’s executive council on Wednesday, June 4.

FBU officials met the fire minister, Brandon Lewis, in the hope that discussion could continue, although a response to their appeal was not made.

Strikes across the country have taken place in order to highlight a dispute over pensions and retirement.

Firefighters typically now pay over £4,000 a year from a £29,000 salary, and another increase has been announced for 2015.

Under the government’s proposals, firefighters who retire before the age of 60 will only receive half their pension.

The government’s own report, published in December 2013 by Dr Tony Williams, found that large numbers of firefighters would be unable to maintain operational fitness until 60.

The two strikes will be the thirteenth and fourteenth over pensions since September 2013.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “The minister has decided to bury his head in the sand, but he must accept that firefighters simply will not give up fighting for their futures — and our fire and rescue service.

“Concerns over these unworkable proposals remain as valid and grave as ever, and the government has ignored all the evidence including it’s own reports.

“It is as ever a difficult decision for us to take, but the only way for us to resolve this unnecessary and costly dispute is for the government to start listening to reason.”

A local man was rescued from a ledge eight feet beneath the Sincil Dike footpath in Lincoln after jumping the railing to rescue a hedgehog.

A team of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue officers were called to the scene off Tentercroft Street at 11.44am on June 6.

After spotting the marooned hedgehog trapped on a ledge by the waterside, the man climbed down to help, finding himself equally trapped.

One fire engine attended the scene, and the man and hedgehog were both rescued to safety.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are reminding people not to put themselves in danger to rescue an animal.

Station Manager Dave Gilbert said: “On this occasion things turned out ok, but we would never advise the public to attempt to rescue an animal if it means putting themselves at risk.

“If you see an animal in distress, please ring the RSPCA and if needed they will contact us, and we’ll do our best to assist where we can.”

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation at Lincoln County Hospital after a chip pan fire at a flat on Portland Street.

Two fire crews were called to the kitchen fire at 7.12pm on Sunday, June 8. They used a hose reel and two breathing masks to extinguish the fire.

Five people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Two of them were taken to Lincoln County Hospital for further treatment.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said the fire was caused by a chip pan left unattended.

There was severe fire damage to the kitchen and contents, with smoke damage to the rest of flat.

An elderly Lincoln resident is recounting a close call after new technology in his sheltered accommodation saved him from a fire.

On March 24, 2014, Tom Baker (69), who lives at De Wint Court, was smoking in his room in an armchair when he fell asleep and dropped the cigarette.

A fire broke out, but before it could spread a machine that has been fitted by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze.

The ‘misting system’, which is being trialled by firefighters across the county, had been installed after a previous incident at the accommodation.

The device is one of four in Lincolnshire and firefighters are working with district councils to encourage them to fund more machines for vulnerable residents.

The machine works by detecting the signal from the smoke alarm and releasing 110 litres of water as a mist, putting out any blaze.

Mr Baker, described the event: “There was lots of foam in my room when I woke up, it was wet through. When we all realised what had happened, everyone here was just relieved that I was ok.

“I am really grateful to the fire service for this machine, I might not have been here today without it.”

Currently, qualifying recipients have been identified as most at risk. Anyone feeling they could benefit from a home fire safety check can book one by visiting the website, calling 01522 580397 or email HFSC@lincoln.fire-uk.org.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are also spotlighting the incident in order to remind people of the dangers of smoking in the home.

Karl Turrill, Deputy Community Fire Safety Manager for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “In the last three years, we have attended 81 smoking related incidents in the county.

“Twenty per cent of these have been in the homes of elderly and vulnerable residents.

“We have a responsibility to protect these people and preventing a fire in the first place plays a big part.

“We installed this equipment in Tom’s home to protect him and his neighbours, and it has turned out to be a lifesaving decision.

“As well as saving lives, this machine represents good value for money – it costs us about £2,000 to install one and potentially saves much more.”

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Lincoln South fire station is holding a special open day on Friday, August 8.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is inviting residents to join in on celebrating the landmark occasion and display a number of memories.

Over the last 50 years, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has grown and developed but Lincoln South remains one of the busiest and most significant for the Lincoln area and county as a whole.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is also inviting all current and retired wholetime, retained and fire service staff who have served at Lincoln South to take an active part in the event too.

Additionally, any photographs and stories about the station and those who have served are being accepted for use.

At the open day, activities and events of the day include:

• Red Arrows flyby
• Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Concert Band
• Urban Search and Rescue demonstrations
• Rescue dog demonstrations
• Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Preservation Support Service demonstrations
• British Red Cross – Fire & Emergency Support

This will include various fire service displays such as USAR line rescue, Road Traffic Collision extraction and Search and Rescue dog demonstrations, the opportunity to take penalties against Lincoln City FC goalkeeping coach and more.

Visitors will be able to have a go in the crash car simulator or try soaking firefighters stuck in the medieval stocks with wet sponges.

There is also music throughout the day provided by Siren FM and a live band.

As well as all the demonstrations, there will be plenty of competitions, food and drinks, a raffle and tombola.

Paul Deighton, Watch Commander Support at West Division, said: “Come along for a fun family day out, see vintage, modern and RAF fire engines.

“Kids can even have a go at squirting some water, try on some fire kit, as well as having the chance to meet Fireman Sam and our safety mascots Freddie, Filbert and Penelope.

“On a serious note, the aim of the day is to show people that the fire service makes Lincolnshire a safer place to live and the job isn’t just about the life-threatening emergencies.”

Any proceeds made on the day go to the Fire Fighters Charity.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are to join a day of strike action alongside civil service workers in a dispute over pay, pensions and workloads on July 10.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue officers will join the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) for their set strike during the hours between 10am and 7pm.

Dave Ramscar, Chief Fire Officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has plans in place to ensure that we continue to provide an emergency response within the county.

“We accept that any planned industrial action will impact on our ability to deliver business as usual, but we are confident that the implementation of our plans will enable us to continue to answer 999 calls and to respond to incidents as quickly as possible.

“We continue to remind people to take care when going about their daily business, and that there is further safety advice available on our website and on Twitter @lincsfirerescue.”

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, added: “The FBU has wanted to settle our dispute for a long time, but the government at Westminster is simply not listening.”

The firefighters’ dispute has seen multiple strikes take place throughout the country in the last year.

It is estimated that as many as two million workers across the UK will be taking strike action on July 10.

In Lincoln, civil servants, council workers and teachers will form picket lines outside their places of work.

A march by demonstrators is also set to take place from 11.30am on Brayford Wharf North, which will culminate with a rally at 12.30pm in City Square.

Branch Secretary of the Lincoln Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Nick Parker, said: “Millionaire government ministers need to be absolutely clear – end the pay freeze now or face a united fight back starting on July 10th of over a million working-class people who will not accept cuts in their living standards to pay for a crisis caused by fat-cat bankers.”

Lincolnshire firefighters will join other brigades across England and Wales on strikes over pensions this month, this time over eight consecutive days.

The strikes are scheduled to take place:

• Monday, July 14: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Tuesday, July 15: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Wednesday, July 16: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Thursday, July 17: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Friday, July 18: 6am–8am and 11am–1pm
• Saturday, July 19: 11am–1pm and 11pm–1pm
• Sunday, July 20: 7pm–9pm
• Monday, July 21: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm

These strikes are in addition to the July 10 strike action by civil service workers that Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue will also join.

Dave Ramscar, Chief Fire Officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has plans in place to ensure that we continue to provide an emergency response within the county.

“We accept that any planned industrial action will impact on our ability to deliver business as usual, but we are confident that the implementation of our plans will enable us to continue to answer 999 calls and to respond to incidents as quickly as possible.

“We continue to remind people to take care when going about their daily business, and that there is further safety advice available on our website and on Twitter @lincsfirerescue.”

As previously reported, firefighters have been on a number of strikes since 2013 over pensions and pay.

Currently, a firefighter with the salary of less than £29,000 now pays around £4,000 a year for a pension.

Additionally, recent academic report on firefighter fitness by the University of Bath contradicted the government’s unlikely expectation that firefighters should not be offered retirement until 60, where the report concluded that a much higher level of fitness is required for the strenuous job than that of an average 60-year-old.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU), which is leading the strike action, would prefer for staff to retire at 55 with their full pension, rather than the required age of 60.

Presently, if a firefighter chooses to retire early due to fitness levels, they will not receive the full pension.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The government must realise that firefighters cannot accept proposals that would have such devastating consequences for their futures, their families’ futures — and the future of the fire and rescue service itself.

“Three years of negotiations have come to nothing because the government is simply unwilling to compromise or even listen to reason despite a huge amount of evidence showing their planned scheme is unworkable.”

Police are treating as arson a fire that damaged the iconic Bass Maltings in Sleaford.

The derelict Sleaford Bass Maltings on Mareham Lane were alight on July 20, with fire crews attending the blaze from around 7.30pm.

Fire crews from Lincoln, Sleaford, Billinghay, Brant Broughton, Billingborough, Metheringham and Donington, plus help from Command Support Unit from Market Rasen, were present at the site until the early hours on July 21.

After overnight investigations, Fire and Rescue found severe fire damage to plastic rubbish inside the Maltings, believed to be set alight deliberately.

There was severe fire, smoke and water damage to other areas of the five-storey building.

The Maltings were built by Bass Breweries in the 20th century, one of the biggest of their kind.

It was where cereal grain was converted into malt by being soaked in water to make it sprout but then being dried to stop further growth. This was then used in beer.

The Malting were open from 1905 until the 1960s, and remained derelict since.

However, as part of Sleaford’s overall regeneration, North Kesteven District Council had been planning to transform the site into a new quarter of the town, with new homes, businesses, a supermarket and new road.

North Kesteven District Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said: “The District Council’s plans for the regeneration of The Maltings have been a long time coming.

“We have been working with partners and the site’s developer over the past few years to ensure this significant historic building is brought back into use.

“In June the council made the difficult decision to push ahead with its CPO powers to secure land required for a major link road in order to access the site of The Maltings, and a new supermarket.

“Last night’s unfortunate events highlights the fact that all partners now need to push plans forward to bring this building back into use.”

A group of Lincoln students are ready for an emergency after spending the day with Lincolnshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit.

Year 9 students from the Priory City of Lincoln Academy have been learning about emergency planning and thinking how their campus could be used as a community evacuation centre.

Representatives from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue demonstrated how they plan, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Dave Ramscar, Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “This project has been designed to raise young people’s awareness of emergencies and community resilience, so they know what to expect.

“In the worst case scenario, we may need to provide shelter and support to a large number of people who have to evacuate their homes.

“This is where we would benefit from the schools and academies assistance as evacuation centres.”

Dave Hackett, head of geography and specialist leader of education at the Priory City of Lincoln Academy, said: “Our students have carefully considered the needs of the local community in their plans, including vulnerable residents and people from different ethnic backgrounds.

“Their ideas really made the most of our facilities and included where people could receive first aid, sleep, cook a meal and even look after their pets!”

Firefighters rescued a cat stuck up a chimney breast in Lincoln.

The North Hykeham crew was called to Mill Lane on Tuesday, July 22, at around 9.10pm.

The cat that went missing around a week ago and was discovered stuck up a chimney breast.

Firefighters had to drop the length of the chimney with a 13.5m ladder and removed brickwork using small tools in order to free the cat.

The cat has been reunited with its owners on Tuesday night.

Joanne Booth, a neighbour who observed the rescue operation, said: “They really worked hard to find it. I was very impressed.”

21:08 – North Hykeham crew attended Mill Lane and released a cat from a chimney breast using small tools and 13.5m ladder.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 23, 2014

Firefighters rescued a 12-year-old boy after he climbed a 35-foot quarry cliff and then slipped onto a ledge in the Greetwell Quarry area in Lincoln.

On Sunday evening, July 27, two boys were playing near the quarry site off Carlton Boulevard when they decided to take a shortcut through the quarry, climbing the cliff face.

One boy then slipped and managed to latch on 20 feet above ground level, while his friend called for help, firefighters said.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene at 7.33pm with specialist rope rescue equipment and brought the stranded boy to safety.

Firefighters said the boy didn’t suffer any serious injuries from the incident.

Later update: Sean King, group manager for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “The two children were out playing and decided they could take a shortcut home by climbing the side of the quarry, which is about 35ft high.

“The incident could have been much more serious if one of the boys had fallen.”

19:33 last night specialist rope rescue crews from Lincoln rescued a 12yr old approx 20ft up the cliff face of quarry off Carlton Boulevard.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 28, 2014

Two fires were started at the bottom of the same Lincoln street in one day, and one of them is thought to be deliberate.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to the first bush blaze on Walcot Close, near Swanholme Lakes, at 11.22am on Monday, July 28.

The blaze measured 3m by 10m and was extinguished using one hosereel.

Officers say the fire was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

The second bush blaze was reported to firefighters later that day at 1.56pm, on the same street.

The second fire caused damage to 30 square metres of hedgerow.

Firefighters believe the second fire was started deliberately and investigations are ongoing into the incident.

No one was injured as a result of either of the incidents.

Anyone with information is advised to call Lincolnshire Police on the 101 number.

11:22: Lincoln South attended 3m x 10m area of gorse bush on fire to rear of Walcot Close, Lincoln. Exgd using 1 hosereel.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 28, 2014

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to a busy Lincoln road when an Audi A4 convertible burst into flames on Tuesday, July 29.

The vehicle was travelling along Rope Walk in Lincoln when a fire started under the bonnet at around 3.20pm.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished using one hose reel.

Police officers were also in attendance and the road was closed for around 30 minutes.

A woman and young boy were in the car at the time the fire began. No one was injured.

Two flats on Westwick Drive in Lincoln were severely damaged by a fire which spread from a caravan parked outside the premises.

This was one of three fires in the area last night that police are treating as arson.

Firefighters were called to the caravan on fire at 1.30am on Wednesday, July 30.

Six Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue crews attended. They extinguished the fire which already spread to the two flats Gainsborough Gardens nearby.

A number of people were evacuated from the flats. No one was seriously injured.

The caravan was destroyed by the fire, while the two flats had severe damage from fire, heat and smoke throughout.

A few minutes earlier before the caravan fire, at 1.28am, firefighters also tackled a car set on fire on Rookery Lane, near Westwick Drive.

The fire started underneath the car tyre.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue also attended another fire at around 2am, on Turner Avenue, off Westwick Drive, where a car and the front of a home were set on fire.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fires and Lincolnshire Police are asking for anyone with information to get in touch on the 101 number, quoting incident number 21 of July 30.

The aftermath of the fire at the Westwick Drive flats on Wednesday morning:

Fire Investigation believe that the caravan fire was a deliberate ignition and police are investigating the incidents as arson.

They are conducting enquiries in the area, and scene examiners have been at various locations conducting forensic investigations.

It is not known if the fires are linked, but given their timings and locations, this will form part of the police enquiry.

Detective Sergeant Mark Booth from Lincoln CID said: “I appreciate that these incidents overnight must have been very alarming for local residents.

“A number of people had to be disrupted during the night and are likely to have been scared by the situation.

“I’d like to reassure the community that we’re doing everything we can to seek the offenders, and that although there were several fires last night, such events are rare.

“We will be increasing police presence in the area and urge anyone who has any concerns, or who has any information which may help with our investigations to approach an officer or call 101.”

01:31 – Caravan fire – Westwick Drive, Lincoln. Fire spread to 2 flats causing severe fire, heat & smoke damage throughout. (1/3)

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 30, 2014

(2/3) 4 crews from Lincoln North & South, 1 from Hykeham & 1 from Waddington extinguished using 2 hose reels, 1 main jet & Cobra.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 30, 2014

(3/3) Crews also led one person to safety – no injuries sustained.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 30, 2014

01:28 – Vehicle fire – Rookery Lane, Lincoln. Crew from Lincoln South extinguished with 2 hose reels.

— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) July 30, 2014

Firefighters in Lincolnshire and across the country will strike again for eight days in August, in a continued dispute with government over pensions.

The strikes will take place for eight days from Saturday, August 9, until Saturday, August 16, between 12pm – 2pm and 11pm – midnight.

Dave Ramscar, Chief Fire Officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has plans in place to ensure that we continue to provide an emergency response within the county.

“We accept that any planned industrial action will impact on our ability to deliver business as usual, but we are confident that the implementation of our plans will enable us to continue to answer 999 calls and to respond to incidents as quickly as possible.”

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) say the current proposals in England and Wales are still unworkable and mean that firefighters will still face dismissal if they cannot maintain the physical fitness requirements necessary for their role until the age 60.

The proposals would also mean that if firefighters opt for early retirement, the reduction in their pension would be high.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that a government can impose a scheme which means that firefighters will have to ride engines and rescue people from fires up to age 60.

“This is unsafe and unrealistic for both firefighters and the public. We know it, and the public know it, but the government will not listen to the evidence based case we have made to them.”

Sean Starbuck, FBU national officer, added: “It’s extremely disappointing that we have had to issue more strike dates but the government are simply not listening to our concerns.

“We have a new fire minister but to date she doesn’t appear to have listened to our case. The government still has an opportunity to improve their offer which could avoid the need for action.”

FBU say an improved position meaning that firefighters can retire with more flexibility from age 55 has been considered and costed by the government for more than three months but it has not been offered.

The costings provided by the Government’s Actuary Department and released by DCLG mean firefighters who take early retirement would get a reduced pension of around 10% – 13% rather than the reduction that the government currently proposes.

Proposals incorporating flexible retirement options should be included in an improved offer for the FBU for its members to consider.

No industrial action is being taken in Scotland and Northern Ireland as improved pension proposals are being discussed.