New fire incident command unit to be stationed at Blackburn

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has recently introduced two new incident command units, which they say are critical to how they manage complex or large-scale emergencies.

After years or research and development the vehicles have replaced the existing units and will lead to more effective incident management.

The units will be used at larger scale and protracted incidents (Image: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service)

The vehicles will be based at the fire stations in Blackburn and Fulwood and attend protracted incidents across the whole county.

The units are fitted with Starlink satellite, alongside 4G/5G connection, a FreeSat TV system, the ability to broadcast from other devices, an awning for external briefings, and a fixed camera system with thermal imaging capability.

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The camera system will aide in maintaining situational awareness and provide feedback to the crews on the ground of the size and location of the fire.

Assistant chief fire officer Jon Charters said: “We are proud of our continued investment into operational response capabilities, to ensure our firefighters are best equipped to protect and look after the people of Lancashire in the safest and most professional ways.

Inside the new units (Image: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service)

“The modern technology now available to support us when attending incidents is incredible and supports effective decision-making by our incident commanders.”

The service also introduced a new command support unit in November to manage smaller-scale incidents or those which become protracted, based at Bolton-le-Sands.

With enhanced resilience and cutting-edge technology, the service says all three units will help in keeping Lancashire’s communities safe.