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The purpose of this paper is to outline the work being carried out by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to build a comprehensive database of the behaviours and motivations of those experiencing accidental fires occurring in dwellings. It is an approach that is predicated upon the desire to listen to and learn from those who actually experience such fires.

The work started with a qualitative pilot study, comprising ten semi-structured, in-depth interviews with those who experienced injuries in accidental dwelling fires (ADFs). This informed the design of the subsequent post-ADF questionnaire survey.

The paper demonstrated a strong desire among interviewees to tackle the fire themselves. The paper highlights a number of risk factors and also found that decisions to call the fire service were often secondary to other aims and concerns, including issues related to shame and guilt.

The small sample size means that the data have no statistical validity.

The project offers a variety of benefits to all aspects of the UK fire service. The work's success and national implications have generated a large amount of interest in the sector, resulting KFRS working with other fire and rescue services in South East England to adopt it as a regional project.

The work marks, arguably, the first attempt in almost 30 years to develop a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour in dwelling fires.

Describes a hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course at the Fire Service College and an incident‐command course at Kent Fire & Rescue Service, which have both won National Training Awards.

Explains the reasons for the two courses, the form they take and the results they have achieved.

Details how the hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course is helping to ensure that there are enough accredited hazardous‐materials officers to maintain round‐the‐clock cover at the UK's fire services, while the Kent incident‐command course is providing a robust and realistic method of assessing fire and rescue commanders.

Reveals that fewer people are failing the hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course since it was made more practical, while Kent has seen a dramatic fall in the number of firefighters injured on duty since the incident‐command course started.

Highlights two initiatives that are helping to ensure a steady supply of trained people who are able to assume responsible roles in the crucial fire‐and‐rescue area.

Details two courses operating in an area infrequently covered in the training literature.

The UK has been a pioneer and international leader in the development of fire and rescue services and this has been based on a long attachment and strong adherence to empirical evidence at both the local and national levels. Policy makers, in close collaboration with practitioners, have also developed standards and practices and any changes have traditionally needed robust justification. Yet the evidence base and the tools and techniques for investigating and interrogating the evidence base have been significantly deteriorating over the last 10 years. This chapter sets out what is inadequate, what is missing and suggests what needs to be done about it.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.