Two men from Co Armagh were among nine people arrested in Co Louth yesterday when a shipment of illegal cigarettes was recovered.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
Latest Marlboro Smoking News
Oct 29, 2009
Oct 28, 2009
Occasional smoking is increasing and shouldn't get a pass
Smoking-cessation programs typically target frequent smokers with fairly hefty habits. But it may be time to also put some focus on occasional and social smokers, according to a commentary released today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
Oct 23, 2009
Scariest Quit Smoking/Tobacco Signs and Promotional Materials
Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco can literally kill you because the chemicals it contains can literally burn your lungs away, among other things. That is why the most striking and scariest advertisements promoting quitting smoking cigarettes and tobacco focus on death.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
Oct 22, 2009
Will smoking bans at other universities affect policies at Eastern?
Kentucky is known for being one of the top states in the U.S. for tobacco production.
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
Oct 16, 2009
Canadian tobacco firm destroyed evidence: researchers
OTTAWA — Researchers said Thursday they uncovered evidence that a Canadian tobacco company destroyed scientific data it had decades ago showing that cigarettes were addictive and caused cancer.
The three Canadian researchers published copies of 60 internal documents, shredded by Imperial Tobacco Canada in 1992 to avoid embarrassment or liability, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The copies were uncovered in the files of parent firm British American Tobacco subsidiary.
The documents detail evidence from scientific reviews prepared by British American Tobacco's researchers, as well as dozens of original research studies between 1967 and 1984, such as the examination of the biological activity and carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke.
They describe research on cigarette modifications and toxic emissions, including how consumers adapted their smoking behavior to these modifications, and depict a comprehensive research program on the pharmacology of nicotine and its central role in smoking behaviour.
Some studies found second-hand smoke on rats was dangerous. Other research cast doubt on the comparative benefits of low-tar cigarettes, as smokers simply compensated by inhaling more intensely.
All the while, Imperial Tobacco Canada executives had denied that smoking was addictive or a health hazard, even testifying such at a parliamentary committee hearing in 1987.
The records are now likely to be used in lawsuits by three Canadian provinces seeking billions of dollars from tobacco firms for smoking-related health care costs.
The three Canadian researchers published copies of 60 internal documents, shredded by Imperial Tobacco Canada in 1992 to avoid embarrassment or liability, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The copies were uncovered in the files of parent firm British American Tobacco subsidiary.
The documents detail evidence from scientific reviews prepared by British American Tobacco's researchers, as well as dozens of original research studies between 1967 and 1984, such as the examination of the biological activity and carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke.
They describe research on cigarette modifications and toxic emissions, including how consumers adapted their smoking behavior to these modifications, and depict a comprehensive research program on the pharmacology of nicotine and its central role in smoking behaviour.
Some studies found second-hand smoke on rats was dangerous. Other research cast doubt on the comparative benefits of low-tar cigarettes, as smokers simply compensated by inhaling more intensely.
All the while, Imperial Tobacco Canada executives had denied that smoking was addictive or a health hazard, even testifying such at a parliamentary committee hearing in 1987.
The records are now likely to be used in lawsuits by three Canadian provinces seeking billions of dollars from tobacco firms for smoking-related health care costs.
Oct 13, 2009
7-Eleven adding pizza, chicken wings as it expands hot foods program
Stepping up its forays into fast-food turf, 7-Eleven Inc. said Monday it's expanding its hot foods program to add items such as pepperoni pizza and chicken wings to 115 Dallas-area stores.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
Oct 9, 2009
Pocono Thursday: Mt. Airy threatens lawsuit, Census jobs, cigarette tax
"Hey, that's not fair and we're going to sue."
Mount Airy and three other casinos who paid $50 million for slots licenses said the legislature is considering changing the rules to allow more machines at neighboring resorts. If that happens, the four casinos said they'll sue to get their money back. We have their letter.
The Census is coming. The Census is coming. Why should we care? It means big bucks for the Poconos. Monroe has had the second-highest growth rate among Pennsylvania counties this decade, but state and federal aid has been based on the 2000 or 1990 head counts. Yes, we're talking millions here.
The Census also means temporary jobs for a lot of people. Here's how to apply.
Today marks the 100th day without a state budget, but legislators are making some progress. Smokers will need to pay another 25-cent tax on cigarettes.
When a PFA needs to be served or gun needs to be confiscated, it won't wait until morning. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office pays overtime. Wouldn't it make sense to add a second shift? County commissioners should consider it.
In Local Sports, we have all the Pocono action and more.
In a late game, the Dodgers beat the Cards. The Yanks and the Phils also won the openers yesterday. We have a treat for Phillies fans who need to work instead of watching the game this afternoon. We're updating it here online so you can be "in the know" and still get your work done.
Speaking of knowing baseball, Mike Sadowski is always about the game so we put him to work. He's an avid Phillies fan, but he acknowledges that New York team and he's talking about all the teams in his new playoffs blog, Stuck in the Middle.
Mount Airy and three other casinos who paid $50 million for slots licenses said the legislature is considering changing the rules to allow more machines at neighboring resorts. If that happens, the four casinos said they'll sue to get their money back. We have their letter.
The Census is coming. The Census is coming. Why should we care? It means big bucks for the Poconos. Monroe has had the second-highest growth rate among Pennsylvania counties this decade, but state and federal aid has been based on the 2000 or 1990 head counts. Yes, we're talking millions here.
The Census also means temporary jobs for a lot of people. Here's how to apply.
Today marks the 100th day without a state budget, but legislators are making some progress. Smokers will need to pay another 25-cent tax on cigarettes.
When a PFA needs to be served or gun needs to be confiscated, it won't wait until morning. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office pays overtime. Wouldn't it make sense to add a second shift? County commissioners should consider it.
In Local Sports, we have all the Pocono action and more.
In a late game, the Dodgers beat the Cards. The Yanks and the Phils also won the openers yesterday. We have a treat for Phillies fans who need to work instead of watching the game this afternoon. We're updating it here online so you can be "in the know" and still get your work done.
Speaking of knowing baseball, Mike Sadowski is always about the game so we put him to work. He's an avid Phillies fan, but he acknowledges that New York team and he's talking about all the teams in his new playoffs blog, Stuck in the Middle.
Oct 7, 2009
Owners of Springfield, Chicopee businesses, deny defrauding Mass. of cigarette taxes
Two men have pleaded innocent in Hampden Superior Court in separate cases on charges they evaded state excise taxes by illegally selling unstamped cigarettes, collectively defrauding the state more than $300,000.
Jin Zheng, 30, formerly of East Longmeadow, faces charges of possession with intent to sell unstamped cigarettes, evasion of cigarette excise taxes, subscribing to false income tax and false sales tax returns, and failure to file sales tax returns.
Thomas Lesperance, 45, of South Hadley is charged with two counts of possession-sale of cigarettes not bearing required state excise tax stamp and tax evasion.
According to the attorney general’s office, the Zheng family sold unstamped cigarettes representing nearly $163,000 in unpaid taxes at their Springfield restaurant, the Fu Soun; while Lesperance is accused of selling cigarettes at his Neighbors Variety convenience stores in Chicopee and Springfield that were not properly stamped, representing more than $150,000 in unpaid taxes.
Each pleaded innocent Monday, and Zheng’s co-defendants, his sister Mei Zhen Zheng, 34, and her husband, Liang Fu Xu, 37, both of East Longmeadow, are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 4 on two charges each.
Jin Zheng, 30, formerly of East Longmeadow, faces charges of possession with intent to sell unstamped cigarettes, evasion of cigarette excise taxes, subscribing to false income tax and false sales tax returns, and failure to file sales tax returns.
Thomas Lesperance, 45, of South Hadley is charged with two counts of possession-sale of cigarettes not bearing required state excise tax stamp and tax evasion.
According to the attorney general’s office, the Zheng family sold unstamped cigarettes representing nearly $163,000 in unpaid taxes at their Springfield restaurant, the Fu Soun; while Lesperance is accused of selling cigarettes at his Neighbors Variety convenience stores in Chicopee and Springfield that were not properly stamped, representing more than $150,000 in unpaid taxes.
Each pleaded innocent Monday, and Zheng’s co-defendants, his sister Mei Zhen Zheng, 34, and her husband, Liang Fu Xu, 37, both of East Longmeadow, are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 4 on two charges each.
Oct 5, 2009
Bonfire was likely cause of fire
Jersey fire service described the fire at Val de la Mar reservoir as the largest furze fire of the year.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
Oct 1, 2009
Fire safety vital as weather turns cold
PARKERSBURG - With National Fire Prevention Week approaching and the start of fall forest fire season in October, officials are urging residents to be aware of fire safety as the weather turns cold.
"Carelessness is the number one cause of fires," said Parkersburg Fire Inspector Mike Beckett. "Under that would fall things like leaving candles burning unattended, leaving food cooking in the oven or on the stove, and accidents involving smoking."
In 2008, fire departments responded to a home fire every 81 second, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars, caused one of four home fire deaths last year.
Electrical fires also are common. Parkersburg Fire Department responded to a smoke scare last week after an extension cord plugged into a refrigerator overheated and melted, causing the house to fill with smoke, Beckett said.
"There are still some homes that do not have working smoke detectors in them," said Beckett. "Some people believe the myth that they will be alerted to a fire and wake up because they smell smoke, but that's just a myth. Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor and in every room where people sleep."
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms were not present in 40 percent of home fire deaths. National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10, is a good time to check the batteries on all smoke detectors in the home.
If there are senior citizens or disabled residents who cannot reach their smoke alarms to install them or change the batteries, Parkersburg fire officials will go to the homes and assist them free of charge, said Beckett.
Planning a fire escape route is crucial for fire safety, especially for families with children.
"Every family should have a plan. Go over them. Practice them," said Beckett. "Have children physically practice the escape plan to make sure they can open windows or climb down a ladder. That way if the time comes and there is an emergency, they'll know they are able to do it."
With fall forest fire season beginning today, burning restrictions are in place within Parkersburg city limits and statewide.
In order to burn outdoors, Parkersburg residents must call the fire department to obtain a permit, which is free of charge. The department will send a fire truck and officials will inspect the area to make sure the fire pit is 100 feet from structures, said Beckett.
Statewide, the ordinances are different regarding burning restrictions. The West Virginia Division of Forestry restricts burning from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, during fall fire season.
Division of Forestry regulations state all fires must be contained by a safety strip and never be left unattended. All fires must be completely extinguished before being left unsupervised.
"Carelessness is the number one cause of fires," said Parkersburg Fire Inspector Mike Beckett. "Under that would fall things like leaving candles burning unattended, leaving food cooking in the oven or on the stove, and accidents involving smoking."
In 2008, fire departments responded to a home fire every 81 second, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars, caused one of four home fire deaths last year.
Electrical fires also are common. Parkersburg Fire Department responded to a smoke scare last week after an extension cord plugged into a refrigerator overheated and melted, causing the house to fill with smoke, Beckett said.
"There are still some homes that do not have working smoke detectors in them," said Beckett. "Some people believe the myth that they will be alerted to a fire and wake up because they smell smoke, but that's just a myth. Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor and in every room where people sleep."
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms were not present in 40 percent of home fire deaths. National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10, is a good time to check the batteries on all smoke detectors in the home.
If there are senior citizens or disabled residents who cannot reach their smoke alarms to install them or change the batteries, Parkersburg fire officials will go to the homes and assist them free of charge, said Beckett.
Planning a fire escape route is crucial for fire safety, especially for families with children.
"Every family should have a plan. Go over them. Practice them," said Beckett. "Have children physically practice the escape plan to make sure they can open windows or climb down a ladder. That way if the time comes and there is an emergency, they'll know they are able to do it."
With fall forest fire season beginning today, burning restrictions are in place within Parkersburg city limits and statewide.
In order to burn outdoors, Parkersburg residents must call the fire department to obtain a permit, which is free of charge. The department will send a fire truck and officials will inspect the area to make sure the fire pit is 100 feet from structures, said Beckett.
Statewide, the ordinances are different regarding burning restrictions. The West Virginia Division of Forestry restricts burning from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, during fall fire season.
Division of Forestry regulations state all fires must be contained by a safety strip and never be left unattended. All fires must be completely extinguished before being left unsupervised.
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