#444 Debrief: Old Albert Mill, Whitworth, Lancashire, May 15th 2009
Thu Feb 05 2026
On this episode of we take a slow, deliberate look at the Old Albert Mill incident in Whitworth, Lancashire, from 15 May 2009. This is a structured incident debrief built directly from the original accident investigation report, with large sections read verbatim to preserve timings, context, and operational reality. The focus is not on blame or judgement, but on understanding how breathing apparatus operations, withdrawal under pressure, low visibility movement, and training culture intersected during a real incident that resulted in a firefighter injury.
This episode is designed as a learning tool. Alongside the audio debrief, an incident debrief training document has been created for crews to use on station.
It follows a clear structure, sets out critical information from the incident, and poses decision points and discussion prompts to help firefighters and officers reflect on what they would do if faced with a similar incident tonight.
You can find the downloadable debrief document via the link below and use it to support watch-based discussions, training sessions, and professional development.
LINK FOR TRAINING DOCUMENT
Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE
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our partners supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional ClothingFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us a text
Support the show
***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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On this episode of we take a slow, deliberate look at the Old Albert Mill incident in Whitworth, Lancashire, from 15 May 2009. This is a structured incident debrief built directly from the original accident investigation report, with large sections read verbatim to preserve timings, context, and operational reality. The focus is not on blame or judgement, but on understanding how breathing apparatus operations, withdrawal under pressure, low visibility movement, and training culture intersected during a real incident that resulted in a firefighter injury. This episode is designed as a learning tool. Alongside the audio debrief, an incident debrief training document has been created for crews to use on station. It follows a clear structure, sets out critical information from the incident, and poses decision points and discussion prompts to help firefighters and officers reflect on what they would do if faced with a similar incident tonight. You can find the downloadable debrief document via the link below and use it to support watch-based discussions, training sessions, and professional development. LINK FOR TRAINING DOCUMENT Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE our partners supporting this episode. GORE-TEX Professional ClothingFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us a text Support the show ***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew