Out of the Ashes : Stories from Lancashire

In this episode of Out of the Ashes: Stories from Lancashire, we're exploring our Community Risk Management Plan, or CRMP.

 Our draft Community Risk Management Plan is now out for consultation, and your views are crucial in helping us shape the future of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. We're joined by Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Steve Healey and Area Manager (AM) Tom Powell, who discuss some of the risks facing Lancashire, how we're planning to respond to them, and why it's important that you have your say. 

Earlier this year, we asked staff, the public and our partners what matters most to them, receiving more than 2,000 responses which have helped shape this draft plan. But now, we want to hear from you again.

If you'd like to read the draft plan and share your views, you can find the consultation on our website: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/about/consultation

The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026, so please take the time to have your say. 

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 riders can take to stay safe on Lancashire's roads.

We explore the Biker Down course, including what it covers, who can attend and how it helps motorcyclists prepare for the unexpected. We also discuss the importance of wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE), even during warmer weather, and highlight additional training opportunities that can help riders build confidence and improve their skills.

Whether you're a new rider, a pillion (somebody that rides on the back of a motorcycle, not the rider themselves), or an experienced motorcyclist looking to refresh your knowledge, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay safe and enjoy the road ahead.

If you'd like to find out more about our Biker Down programme, including upcoming courses and how to book a place, please visit our website: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/bikerdown

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 traffic collisions and the vital roles they play at the scene.

We discuss what really happens when emergency services respond to a collision, the trends they are seeing on our roads, and the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours that continue to put lives at risk. The episode also explores how different groups, from young drivers to older motorists, can stay safe, with practical advice for everyone who uses our roads.

Whether you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help keep you and others safe.

Links to Websites/Resources discussed in the episode:

If you're interested in finding out more about road safety, please head to our website: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/road

On our webpage, you’ll find advice on road safety, including guidance for pedestrians and tips for driving in winter conditions.

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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. 

Whether you’re thinking about applying or just curious about the role, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you perform at your best.

Links to Websites/Resources discussed in the episode:

• Bleep Test TikTok
• Chester Treadmill Test TiKTok
• Weights/Strength required (scroll down to On-call firefighter fitness requirements to see Strength Test)

If you’re interested in finding out more about on-call firefighting at LFRS and would like to register your interest, please head to our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/oncall. 

For more information about wholetime firefighters at LFRS, head over to www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/wholetime.

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 an on-call fire station and can quickly respond to emergencies by crewing a fire engine - usually arriving at the station within 5 to 8 minutes.

The service employs people from all walks of life in the role, ranging from self-employed tradespeople, stay-at-home parents to employees of small businesses and large, well-known organisations. They are paid for their time and are professionally trained firefighters who work alongside full-time colleagues to respond to a wide range of incidents from road, rail or air crashes, to floods, fires, chemical spills or rescuing people trapped in confined spaces.

Our applications open on Monday 2nd June, and close on Friday 27th June, with training courses beginning in October. If you’re interested in finding out more about on-call firefighting at LFRS and would like to register your interest, please head to our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/oncall

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 COVID-19 pandemic, and championing equality, diversity, and inclusion within the service.

He also shares leadership insights, career-defining moments, and plans for the future, including supporting fire service research and spending more time with family—and his dog, Milo. 

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 this initiative is the Team Programme, a 12-week, full-time course designed to help young people aged 16 to 25 build confidence, motivation, and practical skills. Since its launch in April 2001, we’ve supported over 7,000 young people in our local communities, and we now offer more of these programmes than any other fire and rescue service in the UK.

In this episode, we're joined by three special guests: Caroline Hooson, Youth Engagement Coordinator at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service; Karolina, a Prince’s Trust Support Worker; and Iqraa, who recently completed the programme. Together, we’ll explore the life-changing impact of the Team Programme, hear Iqraa’s personal story, and discuss how the programme equips young people for success—both in their personal lives and future careers.

For more information about the programme, please visit: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/princes-trust

Links to Resources discussed in the episode:

• Iqraa's article - WORK EXPERIENCE: Iqraa's Time at Colne Life HQ • Colne Life Magazine

This episode was recorded in August and September of 2024. Please note, in October 2024, the Prince's Trust changed their name to The King's Trust, reflecting our Royal Founding President's continued dedication to our work.

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 industry—Business Continuity Planning, or BCP for short.

We explore what a Business Continuity Plan is, how to begin creating one for your business, and the best ways to put it into practice.

For more information about all things Business Fire Safety, please visit: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/safety/business-safety

Links to Websites/Resources discussed in the episode:

• The Flood Hub 
• Lancashire Resilience Forum
• Environment Agency Section of Flooding on the Government website

Remember, it's not just about protecting your business, it's about protecting your employees, your customers, and your future.

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 when needed. They must live or work close to an on-call fire station and be able to respond quickly to crew the fire engine; generally being able to get to the station within 5-8 minutes. 

The service employs people from all walks of life in the role, ranging from self-employed tradespeople, stay-at-home parents to employees of small businesses and large, well-known organisations. They are paid for their time and are professionally trained firefighters who work alongside full-time colleagues to respond to a wide range of incidents from road, rail or air crashes, to floods, fires, chemical spills or rescuing people trapped in confined spaces.

Our applications open on Monday, June 17, and close on Sunday, July 7, with training courses beginning in November. If you’re interested in finding out more about on-call firefighting at LFRS and would like to register your interest, please head to our website www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/oncall.  

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.

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 approximately celebrated from the evening of 10th March until 9th April, with Eid being celebrated around the 11th April.

Together we discuss what their Ramadan celebrations look like with their families, advice on how to stay safe in the kitchen whilst cooking and the importance of having a working smoke alarm and an evacuation plan.

For more information about safety during Ramadan, please visit  www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/ramadan. If you'd like to book a home fire safety check, please visit  www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/home-fire-safety 

And remember if you liked our episode, please like and subscribe and let’s make Lancashire safer together.