Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has announced that it will be introducing body-worn video cameras for firefighters. The new safety measures follow the recommendations made in the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
The statutory public inquiry was established by the then Home Secretary in 2019 to investigate the deaths of the victims of the attack on the Arena on 22 May 2017. The Manchester Arena Inquiry highlighted the importance of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services respond to complex and fast-moving situations.
Services such as Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, and County Durham have also rolled out cameras across their stations to support staff safety, improve training, and record incidents.
A total of 233 body-worn cameras will be rolled out across the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
A total of 233 cameras will be rolled out across the Service, giving firefighters the ability to record high-definition video and audio while attending incidents. The technology will create a clear record of what crews see and hear, supporting operational learning, transparency and improved decision-making during major incidents.
All 52 fire appliances across 41 stations in Greater Manchester will carry a camera. Frontline officers who attend incidents will be the first to receive the cameras, followed by prevention and protection teams and the incident command academy as the rollout continues.
Devices will help fire crews capture footage, review incidents and improve decision-making
The devices can also livestream footage in real time, enabling senior officers to view incidents as they unfold and provide additional support and oversight when it is needed most. GMFRS said this will strengthen how information is shared and decisions are recorded during critical incidents.
The cameras will be used at a wide range of incidents, from house fires and road traffic collisions to larger, more complex emergencies. Footage will help crews gather footage, review how incidents were handled, improve training and strengthen safety for both firefighters and the public.
“It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin said: “Introducing body-worn cameras is a significant step forward for our Service. It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.
“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies. This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”
The rollout follows a pilot in May 2025, when the cameras were tested in real incident conditions. The trial demonstrated how the devices could provide a reliable record of events, support firefighters in gathering footage and give senior leaders clearer visibility of complex situations through livestreaming.