Firefighters from Bangladesh travelled to Preston to learn about the latest fire safety techniques from experts at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The 20 officers from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence spent two weeks with UCLan fire engineering lecturers who trained them how to carry out detailed fire safety risk assessments and inspections in non-residential commercial buildings. 

As part of their training, the officers visited Blackpool Tower to learn about fire risk assessment and inspection in complex buildings as well as visiting the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre in Chorley. 

They worked with their counterparts to learn how UK fire fighters train and use the latest technology in firefighting, such as the new innovative advanced self-sufficient pump AT-Stinger and the Urban Search and Rescue Equipment and Station. 

Bangladesh has experienced several devastating fires in recent months including two fires in the city of Dhaka, which together killed more than 100 people, and a slum fire in the city of Chittagong. The senior officers who received the training have an important role not only in enforcing Bangladesh fire safety legislation, but also in passing on this knowledge to other fire officers to significantly improve fire safety standards of the entire nation.

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UCLan fire engineering lecturer Shephard Ndlovu organised the course. He said: “We’re very proud to lead this project and work with the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence to improve fire safety levels across the country. UCLan is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for fire engineering education and research and this is why we were asked to deliver this bespoke course to the officers.

“During the last two weeks, we have delivered intensive training around fire safety inspections and audits. These senior officers have a pivotal role not only in the front line of service provision, but also the training of others. They will take back this valuable knowledge to share with fellow officers and subsequently, reduce fire and its consequences in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.”

Md Noymul Ahsan Bhuiya, an instructor at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Training Complex in Dhaka, said: “The visit is very much fruitful for the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel. We have gained more knowledge about fire prevention and protection and we believe this knowledge will enhance our professional skills and capacity. 

"By applying the knowledge, we will be able to perform our day to day duties. We are proud to be participants of this course at the University of Central Lancashire.”