Empowerment and inclusion take centre stage at national firefighting event

Representatives from fire services across the country recently came together at the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) National Training and Development Event 2025, a unique celebration of learning, empowerment and community.

Held annually, the WFS event brings together fire service colleagues from across the country to share knowledge, build confidence, and develop practical and leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. This year’s event saw hundreds of attendees come together with one shared goal: to champion female empowerment in the fire service.

Attendees immersed themselves in a variety of dynamic workshops, from live fire drills and multi-incident command simulations to sessions focused on wellbeing, assertive communication, and career progression. These opportunities aren’t just about developing on-the-job skills; they’re about building networks, building confidence, and empowering women.

The event also featured quieter moments for reflection and self-care. Delegates enjoyed a Yoga Flow and Nidra session on Sunday morning, met the much-loved K9 Wellbeing Dogs, and took part in workshops exploring professional development, mental health, and inclusive design — including viewing PPE designed for women and the realities of Aviation Firefighting at Heathrow Airport.

This opportunity wasn’t just reserved for operational staff to advance their firefighting and leadership skills, it also welcomed support staff – offering them a rare and valuable insight into the demands, challenges, and teamwork involved in front-line service. By opening the door to all roles, the event fostered greater understanding and cohesion across all departments.

“My day with the Women in Fire Service at the college was an empowering experience, connecting with inspiring women and allies all over the UK. It was such a fun and eye-opening day that made me even more excited about the possibilities within fire service. Going from driving my tiny Fiat 500 to a fire engine was definitely an upgrade and an incredible experience!”

Shelby Hubbard, Fire Safety Business Engagement Apprentice at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Beci Newton, Station Manager South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who attended the event for the first time, added: “Despite having been a firefighter for 18 years this is my first WFS weekend. I’ve come not as a delegate but as an instructor and it’s an honour to be teaching highrise at such a prestigious institution. This event is about empowering each other, sharing knowledge and showing that leadership has many faces; and all of them belong in the fire and rescue service.”

The WFS National Training and Development Event has been running for over two decades and is open to all genders in any role within the Fire and Rescue Service. Everyone is welcome.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find Women in Fire Service in Hall 5, Stand CZ68.