Up in Smoke - My True Story of Life as a Firefighter

'Firefighters are a unique breed. It takes a certain kind of individual to enter a burning building to rescue someone they have never met before.'

A third-generation firefighter, Leigh Hosy-Pickett has seen it all in his twenty-five years in the job. He's battled infernos and pulled people from the wreckage of twisted metal. He's experienced pain and trauma in the discharge of his duty, and been supported by the laughter and strength of character you find within every fire station. A family away from home, firefighters share intimate trust and healthy mutual banter - a spark of light often desperately needed amongst the darkness.

Leigh shares his deeply personal story and the funniest, most eye-opening and moving experiences from a life lived amongst the smoke. A celebration of the everyday heroism of our Fire Service, Up In Smoke is a clear-eyed and honest record of the many sacrifices made for us all in the line of duty.

'A real insight into the commitment of our firefighters' Nick Knowles

'Highly inspiring and impossible to put down' Nazir Afzal OBE

“A firefighter's life is well worth a book. Firefighters may be lionized and occasionally fetishized, but on the whole their work is less known or written about than that of the other emergency services. They see all of human life, often in its rawest and most extreme states... Up in Smoke is a likeable and illuminating account, nevertheless - one that will leave readers admiring of firefighters' skill and grit”

A firefighter's life is well worth a book. Firefighters may be lionized and occasionally fetishized, but on the whole their work is less known or written about than that of the other emergency services. They see all of human life, often in its rawest and most extreme states...Up in Smoke is a likeable and illuminating account, nevertheless - one that will leave readers admiring of firefighters' skill and grit TLS

Leigh Hosy-Pickett is a third-generation firefighter and the author of UP IN SMOKE: My True Story of Life as a Firefighter.

Leigh has a Chief Fire Officers' Commendation for 'Action & Dedication Beyond the Call of Duty'. He won two gold medals at the 2008 World Firefighter Games and also climbed to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity. He is a campaigner, activist, mental health advocate, public speaker and House Music DJ.

You can find him on Twitter @Hosy_Pickett.

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