Fire sector specialists take ownership of FIRE magazine

Fire Knowledge Ltd has become the publisher of FIRE magazine and will develop the portfolio to include high-level briefings, international conferences and a Fire Knowledge Network consultancy.

• Fire sector experts take ownership of the UK’s longest-running, highly regarded Fire and Rescue Service magazine
• Fire Knowledge Network introduces executive level leadership consultancy
• Fire Knowledge Briefings to deliver policy insight and cutting-edge debate from fire sector leaders

Fire Knowledge’s formation as publisher of FIRE magazine sees the UK fire sector’s leading title driven forward by fire sector specialists. FIRE magazine, with its 100-plus years’ Fire Service heritage, has been taken over by fire experts after having been owned by traditional media and publishing companies for most of its lifetime.

A small team of existing personnel with decades of publishing experience will continue to drive forward the magazine and portfolio as shareholders, combining with fire sector specialists to help develop and expand the existing products which includes the Excellence in Fire & Emergency Awards, books (latest release Fire and Rescue Incident Command) and online resources at fire-magazine.com. In addition, the new company has introduced a comprehensive Fire Knowledge Network to help fire and rescue services meet performance demands outlined in the recent tranche of HMI reports.

FIRE Editor and Publisher Andrew Lynch said of the establishment of Fire Knowledge: “We are thrilled to bring FIRE magazine back into the heart of the fire sector where it belongs and, utilising the skills and experience of our shareholders, not only produce a product that is as relevant, captivating and essential as ever, but expand our range and influence.

“For many years I have bemoaned the knowledge drain in the Fire and Rescue Service in the pages of FIRE and now, through the all-encompassing and unifying approach we have instilled at Fire Knowledge, we aim to ensure that a vast array of knowledge and experience is not only preserved, but shared and developed for the betterment of all in the Service and to help improve public and firefighter safety.”

Responding to his appointment as a Director of Fire Knowledge, former Chief Fire Officer and Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser to the Welsh Government, Andy Fry OBE explained why he had been so keen to be involved in the new venture. “Throughout my career I have regarded FIRE magazine as the go-to publication for keeping my finger on-the-pulse of the fire and rescue sector. I am therefore delighted to be joining a team that will work with colleagues across the sector to make FIRE magazine an ever more useful resource, as well as supporting continuous improvement in the professional practice of those that share my vocation.”

The Board of Directors of Fire Knowledge has been further strengthened by the appointment of Dave Etheridge OBE, the former Chief Fire Officer of Oxfordshire who also held the position of President of the Chief Fire Officers Association. When reflecting on why he was so keen to become involved with the creation of the new company Dave commented: “FIRE magazine has been part of the DNA of fire and rescue services and the sector for decades and one which I have great respect for. I am thrilled to be working alongside all within the fire and wider blue light sector ensure the publication and its new wider offering continues to go from strength to strength.”

Amongst a suite of new developments, the first Fire Knowledge Briefing will take place on October 15 at Prince Philip House in Westminster covering speed and weight of response and national standards. This will be the first of regular high-level strategic briefings, offering policy insight and expansive debate on critical issues facing the fire sector.

The expansive consultancy arm – the Fire Knowledge Network – will deliver a full range of services including pre and post-inspection support, technical guidance and advice, executive leadership development, political leadership development and independent audit and review. The Fire Knowledge Network will ensure consultancy services of the highest standard, delivered by leading sector experts.

At the heart of it all, FIRE magazine – ‘the trusted voice of fire & emergency since 1908’ – will continue to campaign to improve public and firefighter safety by informing, educating, challenging and supporting fire sector progress.