Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

As AI becomes embedded in everyday technology, emergency services face the challenge of embracing innovation without compromising safety. Mark Rice explores how Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is developing a practical, governance-led approach to AI adoption that balances opportunity with responsibility.

First responders from Ukraine have taken part in training delivered by the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team with a strong focus on boosting urban search and rescue techniques.

Visiting the Search and Rescue team at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reveals the complexity of the equipment needed to respond to mud and water incidents and the importance of innovation as the risk evolves over time.

Last week Fire Minister Samantha Dixon visited the National Resilience Training Centre located in Merseyside where the fire and rescue service is the lead authority for this national capability.

A new photography exhibition opening in Liverpool will, for the first time, explore the issue of firesetting in a gallery setting.

Zack Lester, Sales and Marketing Executive at Vitavox, explores how Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service responded to lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire by adopting a new long-range speaker system to improve communication and evacuation during high-rise emergencies.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service has announced the appointment of Nick Searle QFSM to the role of Chief Fire Officer.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has been elected as the new Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, taking up the post in April 2025 as Mark Hardingham steps down after four years in the role.

Merseyside Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan talks about the recent knife attack in Southport and the ensuing riots, saying that the learning from the Manchester Arena bombing and other major incidents meant that the service was better prepared for a joined-up, assertive and effective response.

On Tuesday, His Majesty The King visited Southport to meet those affected by the tragic incident that saw three young girls murdered during a knife attack last month.