New Fire Safety Course For Pets And Animals

In an exciting new development to mark the launch of our Community Risk Management Plan, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is thrilled to announce the introduction of a pioneering fire safety course designed for pets and animals. The course, aimed at ensuring the safety of our furry friends during fire emergencies, will officially launch today, in line with the unveiling of Goal 3: Response, under our new strategic plan.

The course will teach pets life-saving skills, including the vital techniques of "Stop, Drop, and Roll," a critical move for animals who find themselves in a fire situation. The course is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety for the entire community, including those with four paws and wagging tails.

Leading the course will be our very own Fire Investigation Dogs, Barney and Ginny, who have undergone extensive training to become certified instructors in this groundbreaking programme. As part of their role, these two exceptional dogs will demonstrate key fire safety techniques, showing pets and their owners how to handle the potentially dangerous situations they could face in the event of a fire.

Dog Handler, Tim Marston, said: “Our mission has always been to protect our community, and that extends to everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike.

“With our new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) which launches later today, including our focus on Goal 3: Response, we’re taking an innovative approach to fire safety by offering training to our animal companions. This course is just one example of how we're evolving to meet the needs of all members of the community.”

In addition to the pet fire safety course, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is expanding its training for Fire Investigation Dogs. As part of this new initiative, the dogs will now wear specialised ‘doggy respiratory protection’ during investigations. This face-fitting equipment ensures that ignitable flammable liquid vapors are filtered, providing clean, breathable air for the dogs while they carry out their critical work.

Tim added: “We’ve always been proud of our Fire Investigation Dogs and their ability to sniff out the origins of fires.

“Now, with their new respiratory protection gear, they’ll be able to continue their important work in a safe and efficient manner, without compromising their health. We also recognise the importance of maintaining a clean environment for our investigation, which is why we’ve introduced a policy of washing, drying, and re-bagging tennis balls to prevent contamination during separate investigations.”

As part of our ongoing commitment to community safety, the launch of the course and the enhanced training for Fire Investigation Dogs underscores our dedication to advancing fire safety practices. The new Community Risk Management Plan, with its innovative approach to both human and animal safety, is an important step in building a safer Nottinghamshire for all.

This course will be available at local fire stations and can be booked online through our website below:

APRIL FOOLS!