News and events

Our Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston has released the following statement:

The thoughts of everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are with the Grenfell community and the 72 people who tragically died in the fire, along with their family and friends.

Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report, we took decisive action to enhance fire safety measures and response capabilities.

Significant advancements include the provision of specialist training for all operational staff in high-rise procedures and the development of an 'Immediate Building Evacuation' plan for high-rise fires.

We have procured a 45-metre aerial ladder platform, which will be the highest reach asset in our fleet, to strengthen our response to fires in the built environment and to improve our operational response to high rise buildings.

A dedicated Built Environment Team and business safety advisor roles have been established. The team works with those responsible for fire safety in buildings, to achieve compliance with Fire Safety legislation, reflecting the commitment to adapting to evolving risks.

Furthermore, we have updated the functionality of its website to improve the reporting of fire safety concerns and the communication of risk information between those responsible for buildings and fire protection teams.

In a significant step forward for casualty safety, all of our operational appliances have been equipped with escape hoods, aiding crews in moving casualties through smoke-affected areas in the event of a fire.

We are dedicated to implementing the recommendations and will continue to work with organisations across Lancashire, the fire sector and government to make any further changes to enhance safety for residents and businesses in Lancashire.