As I write this editorial the country has been enjoying a spell of particularly warm weather with incidents across the UK stretching Fire and Rescue Services to a position where several Services have had to declare major incidents. In response…
Who sets the standard?
In my last editorial I spoke of the need for those in authority to set the standard and to remember that we promote what we permit. That sentiment seems particularly relevant over the past months and weeks. We seem to…
We promote what we permit
The tragic loss of life from fire has been in both UK and international headlines over recent weeks. Multi-fatal fires in Philadelphia and New York City followed a tragic fire with multiple loss of life in London serving as a…
A new dawn and new challenges
Welcome to this, our 14th issue of UK Fire. It is almost four years since we embarked on providing readers with an independent, no cost to readers magazine for those based or with an interest in the UK fire industry.…
What is the new normal?
I would like to start my editorial by paying tribute to His Royal Highness, Prince Philip who passed away peacefully last month. Prince Philip leaves a legacy in the thousands of young people who completed his award scheme, something many…
Leading change in an unknown environment
We continue to live in challenging times for our sector and the country. The Grenfell Inquiry is ongoing with revelations that continue to cause dismay to those of us who maintain an interest in the proceedings. COVID-19 dominates every news…
Behind the headlines
August marks the UK’s sixth successive month of living with COVID 19 and the tragedy and heartache suffered by so many through the ravages of the Global Pandemic. World news remains dominated by COVID-19-related stories and the economic, societal and…
Responding and adapting in uncharted times
It would be difficult to start this editorial with anything other than reference to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic. As fire professionals we are dedicated to consideration of worst-case scenarios, risk assessments, projections, modelling and mitigation. In 2011, as the country…
United by common themes and desires?
As this issue is published, the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will have just been completed. Despite the fact that the momentous decision to leave was made less than four years ago it is sometimes hard to believe…
A resilient and adaptable fire industry in a time of turmoil?