Kent Fire & Rescue Service - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) responds to national wildfire rise with launch of innovative workwear to protect crews and help to keep the public safe. Firefighters responding to wildfires across Kent and Medway will be wearing the latest high-performing kit, specifically designed to offer greater protection when tackling outdoor fires in extreme heat. KFRS rolls out new advanced PPE Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) has rolled out the advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to fire stations across the county, ahead of the summer months – when the risk of wildfires is significantly higher. Unlike traditional PPE, which is thicker and heavier to shield crews against structural fire hazards, the new lightweight design is engineered for extreme heat while remaining breathable, which will help to reduce the risk of injury and heat fatigue. Introduction of the new firefighting kit In the last three years, KFRS has attended 160 wildfire incidents, with the majority being accidental The introduction of the new kit, which is part of a wider rollout across the country, comes after a national rise in wildfires - with UK figures growing from 240 incidents between January and April 2022 to 460 in the same period of 2025. In the last three years, KFRS has attended 160 wildfire incidents, with the majority being accidental. Notably during the record heat waves of 2022, Kent firefighters attended 69 wildfires in August alone. Kent’s commitment to public and firefighter safety Mark Gosling, Group Manager for Operational Development at Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS), said: "Amid the UK-wide increase in wildfires, Kent is no different. Our commitment to public and firefighter safety is paramount, as shown through this vital investment in lightweight PPE." He adds, "This latest roll-out of gear will allow our crews to respond quickly when tackling wildfires, reducing the physical stress and impact on wellbeing for firefighters operating through the intense heat of summer and fire." KFRS adds new specialist wildfire vehicles to its fleet Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) is also introducing new specialist wildfire vehicles to its fleet Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) is also introducing new specialist wildfire vehicles to its fleet. The off-road vehicles, equipped with 240-liter water tanks, foam capabilities, wildfire blowers, and brush cutters, will allow crews to access and contain wildfires in remote and difficult terrain. Mark Gosling further states: "We’re committed to helping everyone to stay safe and we’re always looking at ways to enhance our operational response, but the public can help us to reduce the risk of wildfire, by; Discarding of cigarettes responsibly and safely, Not leaving bonfires or barbecues unattended, and positioning them well clear of greenery or property , Only barbecuing in designated areas, and ensuring its cold before being disposed of, Taking your litter with you - glass and cans can ignite fires in dry conditions,  Avoiding lighting campfires in the countryside." He concludes, "Remember, if you see a wildfire, move to a safe location and call 999 and ask for the fire service, giving the operator as much detail as possible, including location, size and terrain."

The official awards of publications Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters, the "FSM Awards," took place yesterday evening at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Established to promote innovation and the highest standards of excellence, NSI approved companies were well-represented among the finalists and winners. NSI congratulates all the winners and finalists among whom 10 NSI approved companies were shortlisted as finalists with 28 nominations between them, of whom six took home the top prizes in the following categories: Security Guarding Company of the Year: Securigroup Security Installation Company of the Year: Securitas Technology Fire Safety Installation Company of the Year: Frocester Fire & Security Security Project of the Year: Chubb UK with CriticalArc and Kent NHS Community Healthcare Trust Security Industry Woman of the Year: Samantha Norman from Mitie Fire Industry Woman of the Year: Chloe Vickery from JLA Fire and Security Ltd Author's quote Richard Fogelman NSI Chief Executive commented: “We send our warmest congratulations to all the winners and finalists of this year’s FSM Awards, whose valuable contribution in making the UK a safer place is worthy of recognition. Their achievements epitomize why the private security and fire sectors are critical in keeping people, property, and places safe 24/7, 365 days a year. We commend them all and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

The National Collaborative PPE Framework is celebrating five years of success in delivering high-quality PPE to Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) across the UK. Launched in June 2017 to streamline the PPE procurement process, the scheme has since delivered protective clothing to around two-thirds of FRSs across the country, equating to more than 30,000 firefighters. Created with a view to sharing best practices and delivering efficiencies, the National Framework is managed by the National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Procurement Hub’s Lead Authority for PPE and Clothing Category at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, with PPE supplied by MSA Bristol - a pioneer in the design and manufacture of PPE for firefighters. High-Performance fabrics The PPE range includes a Full Structural Ensemble, a Layered Jacket, Rescue Jacket, and USAR Ensemble, with selected styles combining innovative and ergonomic designs with the use of high-performance fabrics and fibers from suppliers such as WL Gore, PBI Performance Products, and Hainsworth.   By taking part in the scheme, FRSs have access to high-quality PPE with the reassurance that it has been independently evaluated and tested. Whilst purchase-only contracts are available, the majority have opted for managed services contracts, whereby kit is regularly cleaned, inspected, decontaminated, and repaired at one of MSA Bristol’s three in-house UK Service Centres. Fire and Rescue Services that have most recently signed up to the scheme include North Yorkshire FRS, Leicestershire FRS, and Oxfordshire FRS.  Comfortable PPE protection The scheme is an excellent example of successful partnership, collaboration, and service delivery" Sarah Walsh, Framework Manager, comments: “The National Collaborative PPE Framework has proved a huge success, resulting in time and cost efficiencies for Fire Services around the country, whilst providing robust and comfortable PPE protection for firefighters on the ground, as well as longer-term health protection through the regular professional servicing of these garments.” “From the outset, the Framework’s Strategic Board Team has worked closely with MSA Bristol to ensure the provision of a top-quality service from sign-up, to delivery, to ongoing after-care, ensuring continuity of service despite the disruptions and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is an excellent example of successful partnership, collaboration, and service delivery. Both ourselves and MSA Bristol are always looking to innovations, as well as to the sector’s requirements, to ensure that any technical refreshes are looked into further for the benefits to end users.” Simplifying procurement process “It is even more relevant now than it was in the beginning of the Framework, when more research is published on subjects like contaminants, we look at how we can incorporate the recommendations made into the Framework.” Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director at MSA Bristol, comments: “Over the past five years, the Collaborative Framework has succeeded in significantly improving and simplifying the procurement process for UK FRSs, making it easier and more affordable for fire services to access the best quality PPE as well as essential managed services. MSA Bristol has been privileged to work alongside Kent FRS to deliver these services, and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship in the years to come.”