Fire, Police and Ambulance Join Forces for Bonfire Night Blitz in Lancashire
Multi-Agency Response Team to Tackle Bonfire Night Chaos
Lancashire’s emergency services are teaming up like never before. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), Lancashire Police, and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) will roll out a joint response vehicle this November 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The high-powered team of Operational Commanders from fire and police will swoop on incidents including fires with casualties, traffic collisions, assaults, and emergencies needing forced entry.
Speedy Scene Assessements & Life-Saving Support
This multi-agency vehicle isn’t just for show. The crew will assess scenes on the spot, decide what resources are needed, keep responders safe, and deliver specialist support. It’s designed to free up vital emergency units for other crises, making rapid intervention smarter and more efficient.
Proven Success from Past Trials
The idea first hit the ground running in 2017, with great results. During bonfire night 2022 alone, LFRS tackled 158 incidents—59 were handled by multi-agency teams, freeing up crews to cover more ground. This joint approach reduces unnecessary callouts and improves response times dramatically.
Hotspots in Lancashire Under the Spotlight
Six multi-agency vehicles will patrol hotspots across Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle, and Preston—areas plagued by rising anti-social behaviour and attacks on emergency workers in previous years.
Tom Cookson, Group Manager at LFRS said: “During high profile events such as bonfire night, the demand on emergency services tends to increase. Locally based responders working together can provide lifesaving interventions at emergencies, and in some instances reduce the number of resources needed at a scene, allowing resources to attend the incidents they are most needed.”
Kathryn McIntyre, Neighbourhood Inspector for Blackburn with Darwen added: “Working closely with partners is crucial in our day-to-day work, but particularly when there are events such as bonfire night due to the increased demand on our services. This year we will once again be ready to keep the people of East Lancashire safe and respond to any emergencies reported to us. Being able to carry out multi-agency assessments on-scene will hopefully reduce the number of resources required on the night.”
With this dynamic trio on patrol, Lancashire’s bonfire night could be safer and more coordinated than ever.
