Forgetfulness or simply falling asleep when a meal’s cooking is still a major cause of domestic house fires.

And yesterday, fire fighters and the Red Cross combined forces to promote fire safety - and invite people to consider becoming a Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) volunteer.

Every year, hundreds of families and individuals suffer damage to their homes following a fire, flood or similar incident.

FESS volunteers, equipped with a specially adapted camper van, respond around-the-clock to provide help when things have gone badly wrong.

Besides offering immediate safe shelter – along with clothing, food and washing facilities – the Red Cross also helps with practical necessities such as securing temporary accommodation and contacting insurance companies.

Crucially, the volunteers are trained to provide emotional support too, which can make a huge difference at such a distressing time.



Yesterday, Lancashire FESS volunteers and Red Watch firefighters at Preston demonstrated how to cook pancakes (without starting a fire!)

It's looking to recruit more FESS volunteers who are welcome to apply from anywhere in Lancashire; the FESS vehicle is driven to an incident from its base in Preston, then local volunteers make their way to it there.


Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, told QLocal: "We are immensely grateful to the volunteers from the Red Cross who provide a fantastic service for victims of fire faced with the trauma and disruption that a fire in the home can cause.

"The comfort and practical help that the service can provide, with access to phone, internet and other facilities, makes all the difference at such a distressing time.”

Added Alison Foy, FESS Co-ordinator, Lancashire: "The FESS vehicle and volunteers give immediate support for people caught up in fires, flooding or any 999 situation that drives them from their home.

"We work closely with ‘blue light’ and local authority support teams at such times, providing a safe haven for people where we can help them to get their lives back on track.

Q&A’s on volunteering for the Fire and Emergency Support Service

How would I be helping people?

As a fire and emergency support service (FESS) volunteer, you could provide much-needed assistance to people who have suddenly found themselves homeless following a fire, evacuation, industrial accident or flood. You could make a difference in your community by:
*helping evacuated families find temporary accommodation
*providing practical help and emotional support to distressed people
*signposting people to other organisations and agencies that will help.

What skills and training do I need?

You need to be able to communicate effectively with people of different ages, physical and psychological needs and varying backgrounds who are faced with a difficult and stressful situation.

We will give you the training and support you need to do this role.

How much time do I need to give up?

You and your volunteering manager will discuss how much time you are able to give. Since our volunteering opportunities depend on local needs, some areas may need volunteers more regularly or for longer hours than others. If one of our services requires more time than you are able to give, we may have other volunteering opportunities that fit your schedule.

Will volunteering cost me anything?

We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses when you volunteer for us. Volunteers are asked to keep expenses to a minimum and to supply receipts. Please feel free to discuss this with a volunteer advisor beforehand if you have any worries or questions.

Why are volunteers needed?

Without volunteers we wouldn’t be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.

How do I apply?

You can apply online by looking on www.redcross.org.uk for Fire and Emergency Support Service volunteering opportunities. You can also telephone Alison Foy, FESS Co-ordinator, Lancashire, on 01772 707335 or by email to afoy@redcross.org.uk.