Dave Russel@CFODaveRussel

Honoured and privileged to be Chief Fire Officer for @ManchesterFire.

Joined March 2021
185 Photos and videos
This morning I welcomed 32 Apprentice Firefighters to our Service @manchesterfire Day 1, week 1 of an 18 week recruits course 🚒 Valuable opportunity for me to set out my expectations. Beautiful morning - even the sun has come out!
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Honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of @manchesterfire at today’s service. Really nice that Gianna a Fire Cadet at our Wythenshawe Unit handed it to me as part of the service. Thanks also to our ‘Fire Escort Guard’ who as ever were first class.
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Lest we forget. Today our Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, joined the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Manchester Cenotaph. He laid a wreath on behalf of our service to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Police Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer stand at a formal Remembrance Sunday ceremony, wearing poppies and medals.

ALT Police Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer stand at a formal Remembrance Sunday ceremony, wearing poppies and medals.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable walk away from Cenotaph having laid a memorial wreath.

ALT Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable walk away from Cenotaph having laid a memorial wreath.

Poppy wreaths lying on Manchester Cenotaph.

ALT Poppy wreaths lying on Manchester Cenotaph.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable walk together as part of Remembrance Sunday parade.

ALT Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable walk together as part of Remembrance Sunday parade.

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While most people enjoyed Halloween and Bonfire Night safely, firefighters across Greater Manchester responded to more incidents than during the same period last year. Every avoidable fire, attack on our crews and misuse of fireworks puts lives at risk and diverts emergency services away from people who genuinely need help. Please celebrate responsibly, attend organised displays where possible and use fireworks safely. Read more 👉 orlo.uk/VqKKQ
Two firefighters in high-visibility gear spraying water onto a large, bright bonfire at night near a residential house.

ALT Two firefighters in high-visibility gear spraying water onto a large, bright bonfire at night near a residential house.

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Last night, on Bonfire night, I was with our fantastic crews who are working to keep the residents of Greater Manchester safe. As celebrations continue this weekend, please enjoy them safely and help us reduce unnecessary pressure on our emergency services.
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This morning I left Salford Fire Station following a ‘night shift’ with Red Watch. Incredibly busy & challenging night attended +20 incidents across the city 🚒 The professionalism of Firefighters & Fire Control as ever was first class, thank you @manchesterfire @NW_Fire_Control
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Yesterday was my 17th Passing Out Parade since joining @manchesterfire 🚒 475 firefighters in 6 years takes some doing👏👏to our brilliant team of staff at the training centre and our recruitment team. Welcome to the best job in the world! Next recruits course starts Monday👍🚒
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We have now completed a high-rise fire training exercise on Barton Road in Stretford. The exercise was designed to test how the service and its partners respond to a high-rise fire under realistic conditions. We thank local residents for their patience.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
@manchesterfire
Nov 3
We are carrying out a high-rise fire training exercise on Barton Road in Stretford this evening. The exercise is designed to test how the service and its partners respond to a high-rise fire under realistic conditions. Temporary road disruption is possible - we thank local residents for their patience.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service graphic on a red background stating: “Please avoid the area. Live training exercise underway on Barton Road, Stretford.”

ALT Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service graphic on a red background stating: “Please avoid the area. Live training exercise underway on Barton Road, Stretford.”

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🎆 If you're planning on hosting a fireworks event, "be safe, not sorry". Always follow the Firework Safety Code. 🚨 Hear from one of our Senior Fire Safety Inspectors on how to enjoy the fireworks safely.
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Last year firefighters were attacked at 20 incidents over the bonfire night period. Abuse towards emergency service workers will not be tolerated. 🚫 Assaulting emergency service workers is #BangOutOfOrder and could potentially get you locked up this #BonfireNight period.
Illustration of person’s hands in handcuffs with silhouette of person in background attacking a firefighter. GMFRS logo. Attack a firefighter. Get locked up. #BangOutOfOrder

ALT Illustration of person’s hands in handcuffs with silhouette of person in background attacking a firefighter. GMFRS logo. Attack a firefighter. Get locked up. #BangOutOfOrder
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🔥 Have a safe and enjoyable #Halloween and #BonfireNight. 🎆 Please go along to an official organised firework display if you can. If you’re celebrating at a private event, please stay safe by following our safety advice and the Firework Code. You can find out where organised bonfire, firework and Halloween events will be held in your area by visiting orlo.uk/ZehH5
Cartoon image of fireworks. Text reads: Have a happy bonfire night. Stay safe. Go to an organised fireworks display. For more information visit manchesterfire.gov.uk. GMFRS and Together we are Greater Manchester logos.

ALT Cartoon image of fireworks. Text reads: Have a happy bonfire night. Stay safe. Go to an organised fireworks display. For more information visit manchesterfire.gov.uk. GMFRS and Together we are Greater Manchester logos.
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Remember, all garments have a risk of being flammable – you must keep them away from naked flames, including candles, to prevent your child from sustaining devastating burns.
GMFRS logo and Together we are Greater Manchester logo and wording that says: ‘Children’s Halloween costumes are currently classified as toys. Check costumes are UKCA or CE marked to ensure they meet the required safety standards.” Then there is the UKCA and CE logos underneath. There is an image of a child in a skeleton Halloween costume, holding a pumpkin bucket.

ALT GMFRS logo and Together we are Greater Manchester logo and wording that says: ‘Children’s Halloween costumes are currently classified as toys. Check costumes are UKCA or CE marked to ensure they meet the required safety standards.” Then there is the UKCA and CE logos underneath. There is an image of a child in a skeleton Halloween costume, holding a pumpkin bucket.
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🎃👻 Spooktacular is BACK THIS SATURDAY!👻🎃 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026 🕛 Time: 12pm – 6pm 📍 Location: GMFRS Training and Safety Centre, Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2GN What's in store this year? - Our famous interactive spooky walk-through tour - Children's rides and activities - Food and refreshment stalls - Family friendly fun for all ages - Raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity - Plus loads more! Dare to enter our interactive spooky walk through experience? Tickets are £5 per person and recommended for ages 10 and over, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the interactive spooky walkthrough are selling fast! We recommend pre-booking your tickets on Eventbrite to avoid missing out: orlo.uk/MCpsW No booking is required for the event itself or any of the other activities – simply come along and enjoy the fun!
Poster featuring silhouettes of zombies in a graveyard against a full moon advertising 'SPOOKTACULAR' event. Text reads: "Saturday, 31 October 2026, 12pm-6pm, GMFRS Training and Safety Centre, Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2GN. Followed by: Our famous interactive spooky walk-through tour, Children's rides and activities, Food and refreshment stalls, Family friendly fun for all ages, Raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity. GMFRS and Together we are Greater Manchester logos feature at the bottom of the graphic.

ALT Poster featuring silhouettes of zombies in a graveyard against a full moon advertising 'SPOOKTACULAR' event. Text reads: "Saturday, 31 October 2026, 12pm-6pm, GMFRS Training and Safety Centre, Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2GN. Followed by: Our famous interactive spooky walk-through tour, Children's rides and activities, Food and refreshment stalls, Family friendly fun for all ages, Raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity. GMFRS and Together we are Greater Manchester logos feature at the bottom of the graphic.
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Last year police and firefighters dealt with 767 hoax calls over the bonfire night period. If our emergency services are dealing with a hoax incident it takes crucial time away from real incidents where people’s lives may be in danger. 🚒🚓🚑 Making a hoax call could potentially land you a heavy fine or six months in prison. #BangOutOfOrder #BonfireNight
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This #InternationalControlRoomWeek, we're saying a huge thank you to our fire control team at North West Fire Control for the great work they do to support our firefighters and protect the public of Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Cheshire and Lancashire every day 📞🎉 They are our vital link between our communities and our firefighters, providing calm reassurance in difficult moments, gathering essential information, and helping us respond quickly and effectively to incidents 🚒
A promotional graphic for International Control Room Week featuring the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service logo.

ALT A promotional graphic for International Control Room Week featuring the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service logo.
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If your smoke alarm went off, would you know what to do? 🏢 Make sure you know the evacuation plan for the building you live in. If you don’t, speak to your landlord or managing agent to find out. Know your escape route and practice it with housemates. 📱In an emergency, always phone 999.
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Worried that an apprenticeship at GMFRS won’t work with family life? Meet Siobhan. She had twins when she started her apprenticeship course and has since gone on to become a fully-fledged driver. Take the first step towards a career in the Fire Service. Complete our Expression of Interest to start your journey: orlo.uk/WS0rE
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Last year there were 1,020 reports of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks over the bonfire night period. Playing with fireworks is #BangOutOfOrder and can have serious consequences, including injuries to yourself or others. Always follow the Firework Safety Code: orlo.uk/eDMBh
Illustration of hand with bandage. Play with fireworks. Get burnt. #BangOutOfOrder GMFRS logo

ALT Illustration of hand with bandage. Play with fireworks. Get burnt. #BangOutOfOrder GMFRS logo
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A national fireworks distributor and two retailers have been prosecuted following GMFRS investigations into storage and licensing breaches. Fireworks are explosives. Businesses that fail to meet their legal responsibilities risk enforcement action, including prosecution. Read more here: orlo.uk/L8icP
A warehouse filled with stacks of cardboard boxes labelled as fireworks against a red brick wall.

ALT A warehouse filled with stacks of cardboard boxes labelled as fireworks against a red brick wall.

A glass display cabinet in a shop filled with various boxes and packs of colourful fireworks with price stickers.

ALT A glass display cabinet in a shop filled with various boxes and packs of colourful fireworks with price stickers.

A metal shelf packed with various boxes and tubes of colourful fireworks in a storage room.

ALT A metal shelf packed with various boxes and tubes of colourful fireworks in a storage room.

A cluttered storage space filled with stacks of metal buckets, boxes of fireworks, and plastic toolboxes.

ALT A cluttered storage space filled with stacks of metal buckets, boxes of fireworks, and plastic toolboxes.
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Good run 🏃‍♂️ this morning over the hills with ‘Moss’ ❤️ we enjoyed it, especially the swim at the end!
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