From our North Western branch
Join us in Preston for these
free, in-person events discussing a number of different fire industry topics. In collaboration with the University of Lancashire and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service these three CPD events will be held at the
University of Lancashire, Preston Campus and
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre
Wednesday 15th October - Shaping the future of facade fire testing: Historical insights and tools. This event will be held at the Preston campus of the University of Lancashire, presented by Konstantinos Chotzglou PhD MIFireE MSFPE. Konstantinos is an Associate at OFR Consultants and Secretary of the SFPE UK Chapter and will explore Facade fire safety's past development, current status, and how better practice can be guided moving forward.
Thursday 16th October - Fire Instructor CPD. This event will be held at the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre in Chorley, presented by John McDonough & Gerard Mann. The discussion will focus on breathing apparatus, compartment fire behaviour training and tactical ventilation instructors at Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service. The aim of the event is to provide Fire Instructors (BA/CFBT/TV) with training techniques and practices for firefighting and rescue operations, enabling them to use this learning improve training in their organisations and better their operational response.
Learning outcomes
- Expectations of firefighters and their action in fire environments.
- Effective water application methods and techniques.
- Effective movement techniques for a fire environment.
- Effective rescue techniques for victims in structure fires.
- How to set safe and controlled conditions in a fire training session.
Friday 17th October - Tactical Firefighting CPD. This event will also be held at the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre in Chorley. Presented by Dan Stevens, John McDonough & Gerard Mann, this even is aimed at middle and senior Fire & Rescue Service managers across the UK.
Learning outcomes
- Understanding of current methods and techniques for firefighting and rescue operations.
- Understanding of cultural bias re. selection of firefighting media and volumes.
- Determining correct firefighting flow rates for structure fires.
- Appreciation of differing skill levels and the requirement for realising crews skill level to avoid exposure to excessive risk.
About the speakers
Dan Stephens - former Chief FRS of Merseyside FRS and Fire Rescue Victoria, and current HMI for the Welsh FRSs. Dan published a report into the South Wales Response to Dwelling Fires in 2024 and this will be a key theme of his presentation.
John McDonough- Duty Commander for FRS New South Wales, Australia – founding member of IFIW, co-author of 3D Firefighting with Paul Grimwood et al, and notorious for his work in the field of firefighting and fire behaviour related training.
Gerard Mann, Station Officer from Fire Rescue Victoria – speaker at guest speaker FDIC 2025, IFE Australia Board Member for Fire and Emergency Service and internationally recognised trainer for fire and emergency response.