The three Fire and Rescue Services of Wales officially launched their new fire safety character, Sbarc, at the Urdd Eisteddfod held in Denbigh this week.

Sbarc will help spread messages to young children on the dangers of playing with fire and how to keep safe in your home and in your community.

In the Summer of 2019, the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services came together and designed a character that would the help spread the fire and rescue services’ community safety messages.  Their aim was to develop a character that would capture the imagination and to educate children and members of the public on key messages of Prevention, Detection and Escape and Arson Reduction. 

Naming of the character was conducted through public consultation at various public events in 2019, where over 250 children were asked on to choose from Fflach, Fflam or Sbarc.  “Sbarc” was a clear favourite with 142 votes.

Dave Hughes, Chair of the All Wales Children and Young People’s Group, explains more:

“Sbarc has been featuring across our education and promotionaal materials since 2020, and has proved very popular with schoolchildren across Wales.

“However, the pandemic has meant that we have not had the chance to officially launch our loveable character.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve been finally able to officially introduce Sbarc as part of the Urdd’s centary celebrations.

“Keep an eye out for Sbarc at various events and campaigns providing safety advice to our communities.  We hope that Sbarc will help children and their parents by helping us promote the fireworks code, home safety, road safety, water safety and much more.”