Our tier two Fire Investigators are made up of colleagues within the Thames Valley area; Buckinghamshire, Royal Berkshire and Oxfordshire. They carry out regular training and development days to maintain their specialist capabilities, share knowledge and best practices.
On Thursday 23 October, staff from all three Fire and Rescue Services within the Thames Valley came together at Slade Fire Station in Oxfordshire, for a powerful day of hands-on learning, shared expertise, and team-building, proving that when it comes to fire safety, collaboration isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
This collaborative alignment has further enhanced fire investigation delivery. The team frequently responds to investigate fires, but their work extends beyond that, it can also involve examining explosions when incidents occur.
The day was packed with scenario-based exercises, forensic workshops, and real incident case reviews. Officers swapped insights, challenged each other’s thinking, and built stronger connections that will carry through to live incidents. The training was led by two Lead Tutors from Fire Wise, who provided high-quality input and further insights into gas, chemical, electrical and ignitable liquid explosions and the different effects they can have.
By being part of these sessions collectively, it ensures all three fire and rescue services receive the same input and information, ensuring their approach to all investigations remain consistent and aligned, reinforcing our commitment of having one team to support all communities.
Technical Manager & Forensic Fire Scene Investigator, Mick Baxter, shared;
“This CPD day was about collaborating, sharing aligned information and detailed insights. We are one team for all communities across the Thames Valley. And judging by the energy in the room, the future of fire investigation is burning bright.”