Safety Campaign Launched At Tibshelf Services To Support Lorry Drivers Following Tragic Cab Fire

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has partnered with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and National Highways to deliver a joint safety event at Tibshelf Services, engaging directly with lorry drivers to promote safe cooking practices.

The campaign follows the tragic death of a lorry driver in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire in July 2025, which highlighted the serious dangers of using portable cooking equipment in enclosed spaces such as lorry cabs.

In response, the agencies are working together to raise awareness among HGV drivers, offering practical advice and guidance to help prevent further tragedies and keep those travelling on the road network safe.

Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Natasha Neale, said: “Targeted partnership working to educate lorry drivers on how they can stay safe is essential to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again. The tragic incident in Hucknall is a stark reminder of how dangerous it can be to use portable cooking equipment inside enclosed spaces such as vehicle cabs.

“By working alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways, we’re able to take a joined-up approach to reaching drivers who spend long periods travelling through our region and ensure they receive consistent, life-saving safety advice.”

Prevention Group Manager Darren Pick from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “We’re proud to be working alongside our colleagues at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and partners from National Highways to help raise awareness of such an important safety issue. The tragic incident in Hucknall highlighted the very real dangers of using portable cooking equipment in confined spaces such as vehicle cabs.

“We know many lorry drivers spend long hours on the road, and this initiative is about helping them stay safe while travelling and resting. Simple steps could make a life-saving difference - only use these devices in well ventilated, appropriate outdoor areas, ensure they are placed on a stable surface, and always leave them to cool before packing away.

“By working together across county borders, we hope to reach more drivers with clear, practical advice that helps prevent incidents and protect lives.”

National Highways is also supporting the campaign as part of its ongoing work with the haulage industry.

Marie Biddulph, Regional Safety Coordinator for National Highways, added:

“National Highways regularly communicates with hauliers and HGV drivers to share advice on how they can stay safe while using England's motorways and major A-roads.

“As part of this, we're pleased to support the local fire services in their campaign to raise awareness of fire safety and the dangers of using portable gas cookers inside vehicles.”

Drivers that visited Tibshelf Services had the opportunity to speak with safety teams, ask questions, and access guidance on the safe use of gas cylinders and portable cooking devices.

For further safety advice visit: Camping and Caravanning - NFRS