Cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click accept my preferences we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on our website. Visit our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy for more information about managing your cookies.


Current preferences

Featured blog post

Looking ahead with the Firefighter Risk Index

Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch

 

Editor Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch reflects on 25 years with FIRE magazine and looks forward to working collaboratively across the fire sector to improve firefighter and public safety

 

Last month marked 25 years ago to the day that I first entered the fray with FIRE magazine as a 20-something with a receding hairline. Back then I had a fervent belief in journalistic integrity and soon adopted a dedication to firefighter and public safety. As a 50-something with no hairline, journalistic integrity remains sacrosanct and that fervent belief in improving firefighter and public safety has never wavered, although I’m largely none the wiser as to how I made it this far.

The commitment to improving firefighter safety arose from my first foray into the Fire Service – a conference on the risks of sandwich panel buildings in Bedford. I was dumbfounded by the severity of risk facing firefighters entering these constructions, coming not long after the tragic death of Avon firefighter Fleur Lombard – the investigation in the blaze precipitating a step change in perception on PPE – and foreshadowing the appalling deaths in Atherstone-on-Stow.

Decades of grappling with the issues, collaborating with all and sundry to try and make a difference and building innumerable close friendships across the fire sector divides has left a profound imprint on this reporter. As always, if I were to mark my own homework I would say something along the lines of “ok” but “could do better”.

Contribute to FIRE Magazine

Contribute to FIRE Magazine

The FIRE magazine blog gives you the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the sector about issues that will impact on you as a fire professional.

You can contribute by commenting on the posts directly on the article by clicking the Write a Comment button or by writing articles specifically for FIRE magazine. Please click the link below to see our writing guidelines and contact details for submission.

 Write for us