The three fire and rescue services in Wales have been working in collaboration to produce a collection of innovative new educational resources for use in schools across the country from this autumn.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service came together with South Wales and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Services to concentrate on ways of targeting youngsters in schools in a bid to reduce the number of fires and improve fire safety, be it in the home, outside, accidental or deliberate fires.

The resources include new workbooks and storyboards to highlight in fire safety education in primary schools, together with a fire safety film titled ‘A Night to Remember’ which targets 15-18 year olds and will be premiered in secondary schools in November.

The star of the educational material aimed at younger age groups is a favourite fire and rescue service mascot Tanni.

Every year, throughout Wales, around 35,000 Foundation Phase pupils are educated about fire safety; with Tanni as the focal point of fire safety messages.

Tanni is featured in fire safety workbooks, which ask children to complete various games, challenges and other fun fire safety activities, which are provided to schools following a visit by fire and rescue service educationalists. The All Wales Education Group, came together and worked to create a resource that was not only an essential fire safety guide, but which also followed Wales’ PSE Curriculum, so that schools may use the resources for their own educational benefit.

During these visits various key fire safety education points will be discussed such as dangers around the home, the dangers of playing with matches, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Speaking on behalf of all three Welsh fire and rescue services, Senior Fire Safety Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Stuart Millington said: “This project recognises that it is not only a duty on us as fire and rescue services to tackle fire safety issues, but also to address other antisocial problems such as underage drinking, peer pressure, and the effects of social media - all topics which are highlighted in this new DVD.

“In recent years, the education departments of all three Welsh fire and rescue services have acted as a central foundation to the fire prevention work carried out across Wales.

“Youngsters from as young as five years old receive consistent fire safety education throughout their academic careers up to GCSE and A-Level. And for the first time this year they also have the opportunity to take part in a brand new Welsh Baccalaureate programme featuring fire safety.

“Tanni is such a success with youngsters that we are really proud of our mascot – and in recognition of this, our much loved character has been given a special makeover to take us into the future. We’re now looking forward to seeing the new resources utilised within schools across Wales.”

The launch of the new education resources took place at Ysgol Nant Y Coed in Llandudno Junction yesterday (14^th October).

The new ‘A Night to Remember’ film will be premiered later this year – keep an eye on our website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk