The Thames Valley branch presents their Summer Branch Meeting and CPD event
This in-person event includes three hour-and-a-half long lectures on a variety of topics, altogether providing four and a half hours of CPD, along with a great way to network and get involved with the IFE and the Thames Valley branch.
The Programme
- 10:30-12:00 Session 1: Luton Airport Car Park Fire, presented by James West and Anthony Doherty. James and Anthony are both Group Commanders with 22 years of service with BFRS.
- 13:00-14:30 Session 2: Manchester Arena Attack, presented by Ronnie Schank and Anthony Henshall, ex HART team leader.
- 14:45-16:15 Session 3: Engineering Council registration, presented by Chris Wilson BSc FIFireE Branch President and ENG TECH reviewer
About the Lectures The Luton Airport car park fire illustrated rapid fire spread, flashover potential in open-plan spaces, and steel structural failure without adequate protection. Key lessons included the importance of passive and active fire systems and the role of effective incident command.
The Manchester Arena attack highlighted multi-agency coordination challenges, human behaviour in emergencies, and crowd evacuation dynamics under stress. Both incidents reinforced the need for robust risk assessment, communication strategies with occupants, and clear command structures. Post-incident investigations provided valuable learning to improve future fire strategies, emphasising the integration of lessons learned into building design, fire safety management, and emergency planning approaches.
The third session covers on how to apply for engineering council recognition in a time were 3rd party accreditation is being mandated. Registration with a 3rd-party body is a particularly important part of the industry and Branch President Chris Wilson BSc FIFireE has particular insight into the process.