Laois County Fire & Rescue Service have launched a unique redesign to their training vehicle, an idea spearheaded by Abbeyleix firefighter Simon Rogers.

The fire service, along-side Laois County Council's Deputy Chief Executive Simon Walton and Leas Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy launched their recently revamped training vehicle on Monday.

In an effort to promote community fire safety, their driving training vehicle has been revamped with reminders to check your smoke alarms, and a QR code leading to a fire safety booklet.

Pictured: Director of Services Simon Walton;, Cllr Paschal McEvoy; Chief Fire Officer Declan Power; Station Officer Siobhan Duff; Clerical Officers Amy Liddy and Troy Faga; Sub. Officer Alan Doran; Fire Officer Clare Germaine; Simon Rogers of Abbeyleix Fire Station; Communications Officer Robyn Keieghan; and Pat Sheridan ( A.D.I. ). Photo: Michael Scully.

"The aim of this campaign is to equip residents with essential knowledge in relation to fire safety in the home which can be obtained by scanning the QR code on the vehicle," a spokesperson for Laois Fire and Rescue Service explained.

"This brings you to our free fire safety in the home booklet which is available in several languages and offers helpful tips and advice. The vehicle also has a message to remind households to test their smoke alarms," they said.

Laois County Fire & Rescue Service promotes this message weekly with “Test It Tuesday” messages across their social media channels, and the training vehicle will act as an additional reminder to the public of this important message.

The idea to redesign the training vehicle and use it to promote Community Fire Safety came from Simon Rogers, a firefighter in Abbeyleix Fire Station.

Pictured: Declan Power (Chief Fire Officer) presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Simon Rogers (Abbeyleix Fire Station) for his work in redesigning the Training vehicle, alongside Cllr Paschal Mc Evoy (representing the Cathaoirleach). Photo: Michael Scully

The graphics were developed in-house alongside Rolando Cedeno and his team in Esmark Finch Vehicle Engineering to bring the project to fruition.

"Public education and information are critical components of fire prevention and we all have a role to play in keeping our homes and communities safe," Laois Fire and Rescue Service stressed.

"Last week was Fire Safety Week and our firefighters across the 8 fire stations have held information evenings in collaboration with our local libraries to give practical advice and information to the public. We have also run an active social media campaign sharing information all week to try and reach as many people as possible," the representative finished.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to visit www.laois.ie for more information and safety checklists.

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