TIARNA-ANN PEARCE is a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade. She is currently with Green Watch at Mitcham Fire Station in south London. Here she talks to The Voice about a family accident that motivated her, ambitions for the future and the need to diversify the Brigade.

RH: Why did you choose a career in the Fire Brigade?

TAP: I was my Grandma’s carer. My Grandma suffered with dementia and she put the electric kettle on the gas hob and started a small fire, I was there (thankfully) to help put the fire out but I saw first-hand how at risk those who are most vulnerable can be. I knew I wanted to help support them as best as possible and help prevent future issues like these occurring. 

What’s the best thing about working with the Fire Brigade?

I love my job! I love the community aspect of the job; I love helping my community and the elderly.

I also love representing and showing young women, and especially women from under-represented backgrounds, that you can do anything you set your mind to. There does need to be more people who look like me in the Brigade.

My crew I work with are like my ‘work’ family. They always have your back. I know so much about them and they know so much about me. I never expected to be so close to them as many of them are from a different walk of life to me and my background. I absolutely love them, they are my best friends.

What would you say to those considering a career with the Brigade?

What are you waiting for? This is your time to go for whatever you set your mind too. If you work hard enough and put the time in, then you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.  If you have your heart set on being a firefighter then definitely do it!

What challenges have you faced during your time with the Brigade?

I do find it hard sometimes being the only women on my Watch, and for a long time I was the only black person at my station. But in order to make a change you need to be present and represent. 

What, where and when was your first ‘shout’?

My first shout was an AFA (automatic fire alarm) in Wimbledon – someone had burnt their cooking.

What do you like to do in order to relax?

I go to the spa as much as I can and I also do aerial hoop which I find very therapeutic. I make a conscious effort to switch off when I am not at work so I can unwind. 

What are your professional ambitions with the Brigade?

I would like to go for promotion and become a Station Officer. I would also like to go into recruitment at some point as well – I am very passionate about diversifying the London Fire Brigade. 

Is life becoming easier for women within the service? Please explain why?

I do think things have improved for women within the Brigade but there is still work that needs to be done. The Brigade are making efforts to ensure these changes are implemented.

It is extremely important that women continue to join the operational workforce and are present because that’s how things will continue to progress in the right direction. 

Interested in becoming a London firefighter? Recruitment opens soon, visit: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/careers/become-a-firefighter/