Out of the Ashes : Stories from Lancashire

In this episode of Out of the Ashes: Stories from Lancashire , we're focusing on motorcycle safety as we head into the spring and summer months and the start of the biking season. We're joined by Prevention Support Officer Clare and Crew Manager Charlie, who are both keen motorcyclists and deliver our Biker Down programme. They share their experiences on two wheels and discuss the steps...

In this episode of Out of the Ashes: Stories from Lancashire , we’re diving into all things road safety. We’re joined by Crew Manager Charlie from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), Group Manager Craig from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), and Scene Manager and Family Liaison Officer Simon from Lancashire Police’s Serious Collision Unit, who share their experiences of attending road tr...

Fitness is a key part of being a firefighter, whether you’re on-call or wholetime. In this episode, we speak to Amanda, our Service Fitness Advisor, about everything you need to know to get fit for the fireground. We cover how to prepare for the firefighter fitness test, tips for staying hydrated and fueling your body properly, and we bust some common firefighter fitness myths along the way.  Whet...

Have you ever been curious about what it’s like to be an on-call firefighter, what the fitness test involves, and how to apply for the position? With recruitment for on-call firefighters opening soon, we’ve put together a podcast episode featuring a conversation with On-call Firefighter Sue Ward, about the ins and outs of the role. On-call firefighters are community members who live or work near a...

In this heartfelt episode of Out of the Ashes: Stories from Lancashire , we sit down with Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston as he prepares for retirement after an extraordinary 30-year career in the fire service.    Justin discusses the challenges of modern firefighting, including responding to climate-driven emergencies, adopting cutting-edge technology like drones and AI, responding to the COVI...

In episode 9, we’re shining a light on a surprising but incredibly impactful area of our work at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service—the positive influence we have on children and young adults through our community programs. We’re particularly focused on the King’s Trust Programme , previously known as the Prince’s Trust Programme, which we’ve been proudly delivering for 23 years. The highlight of...

In episode 8, we’re joined by three expert guests: Esma, Senior Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Officer at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services; Emergency Planning and Risk Manager, Julie Ferguson from Lancaster University; and Dharmesh Nayee, Emergency Planning Officer at Lancashire County Council. Together, we dive into a topic that’s vital for every business, no matter its size or ind...

As we'll soon be opening up recruitment for on-call firefighters, in this episode we will be discussing the topic of the role of on-call firefighters with On-call support officer Adam Wagstaff and on-call firefighter Leanne Walker. On-call firefighters are members of our community living and working in Lancashire who often have another job but also respond to emergencies from home or work whe...

In Episode 6, we speak to  Community Safety Advisors Faz and Farzana and discuss safety during Ramadan.  This celebration is held during the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan marks a time of fasting for Muslims all over the world. People who observe Ramadan abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk, only eating one meal before sunrise and another after sunset. This year it is...

In Episode 5, we are celebrating International Women's Day (Friday 8th March), this is a global day celebrating the achievements of women. In the episode we speak to Group Manager Caroline Harrison and Watch Manager Sarah Holden and discuss this year’s theme which is inspiring inclusion.  The episode explores their experiences of being a female firefighter and motherhood, the fitness levels a...

In episode four, we speak to Station Manager James Crouan, Firefighters Gary Fernandez and Davey Byers, and our Safety, Health and Wellbeing Advisor Bekki Ford ahead of International Men's Day 2023 (19 November 2023). This day is all about making a positive difference to the well-being and lives of men and boys. The episode explores each colleague's story and things that helped them, the...

In episode three, we talk to Paul O’Brien who shares his story of a devastating house fire which began from a seemingly innocent disposable bbq which he placed  into a wheelie bin after a day of celebrations back in 2021. The waste from these items can remain hot enough to cause a fire for far longer than people realise. For Paul a £2 disposable bbq caused over £100k of damage and placed him and h...

Get ready to listen to our next installment of Out of the Ashes: Stories from Lancashire. In episode two, join us as we delve deep into the flames that burn over and underground with one of our wildfire experts, Station Manager Rob Harvey. Rob shares his valuable knowledge and first- hand experience of scorching wildfires. We explore how in hot and dry conditions BBQs, campfires and cigarettes can...

In our first episode, we speak to a woman whose heart stopped beating and the community first responder who, along with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) crew, saved her life.  Diane Fenton went into cardiac arrest at her home in Leyland in January 2023. Her husband immediately dialled 999 and began chest compressions, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s first ever community first responder...