Firefighters across Greater Manchester, including those based at Oldham's fire stations, are now being equipped with body worn video cameras following a major rollout by the service. The move, which will see 233 cameras deployed across the region, comes directly after recommendations made by the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

The cameras are capable of recording high definition video and audio and can livestream footage to senior officers in real time. That means commanders can now monitor incidents from a distance and offer immediate support to crews on the ground. All 52 fire appliances at 41 stations – including those serving Oldham and the surrounding area – will carry a camera as part of the initiative.

Frontline firefighters are the first to receive the devices, with further distribution planned for prevention and protection teams as well as the incident command academy. The equipment is expected to be used at a wide range of incidents, including house fires, road traffic collisions, and large scale emergencies like the one the Arena Inquiry examined.

The footage captured will be used for operational reviews, training and learning, and to provide a clear and accurate record of events. The service says this will help improve situational awareness and decision making during critical incidents. A pilot scheme trialled the cameras during live incidents in May 2025 and, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, successfully demonstrated their value.

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 Fire Brigades Union has also welcomed the move. Dave Pike, a union representative, said: "It's important that new technology supports our members in doing their jobs safely and provides a clear and accurate record of incidents. These cameras will help protect our members, support learning and ensure there is transparency about what happens at incidents."

For Oldham residents, the rollout means that local crews responding to emergencies in the borough will now have an extra tool to aid their work. The ability to review footage after incidents could also help improve how the service learns from call outs and shares lessons across Greater Manchester. The cameras are part of a wider effort to ensure that the findings of the Manchester Arena Inquiry are put into practice by emergency services across the region.