The Defence Fire Safety Regulator (DFSR) has confirmed the appointment of Alan Horberry as Assistant Chief Fire Officer, as reported by The Emergency Services Times.

Part of the Defence Safety Authority, the regulator is responsible for enforcing fire legislation across the Ministry of Defence estate and ensuring Defence firefighting capability remains effective.

Horberry took up the post in early 2025, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in both UK and international fire and rescue services. He steps into a senior leadership role that involves close collaboration with Defence Fire and Rescue Service colleagues and inspectorates across the UK.

Speaking about his appointment, Horberry said:
“The assurance of Defence fire, in all its facets, is of critical national importance. I’m proud to lead the team of experienced Defence Fire Officers to ensure that we meet the challenges of today and those new ones presented to us by Defence Reform and the Strategic Defence Review.”

Fire service career in Scotland

According to The Emergency Services Times, Horberry began his career in 1988 with the Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade in Edinburgh. He went on to serve at a number of urban and rural fire stations across south-east Scotland.

In 2013, he transferred to the newly established Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, where he gained extensive operational command experience, leading responses to major incidents across the region.

International experience in Australia

In 2020, Horberry joined the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, managing a vast geographical area covering bush and outback communities. His responsibilities included oversight of more than 6,000 rural firefighters.

The post provided him with significant expertise in large-scale wildfire management and multi-agency coordination, skills that strengthened his knowledge of rural operations and resilience planning.

Work in the Falkland Islands

Horberry later became Director of Emergency Services and Island Security in the Falkland Islands. During this time, he introduced resilience planning adapted to the islands’ unique conditions and implemented a multi-agency incident command system based on JESIP principles.

This system was designed to improve collaboration between emergency response organisations, aligning local operations with UK standards while addressing specific regional needs.

Defence role in 2025

Horberry’s appointment to the DFSR in 2025 marks a significant step in his career. The regulator provides assurance that Defence has safe and effective firefighting arrangements worldwide and enforces UK fire legislation across the Defence estate. Its work is aligned with inspectorates across the UK.

Reflecting on his new role, Horberry added:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to this pivotal role within Defence. The assurance of Defence fire, in all its facets, is of critical national importance. I’m proud to lead the team of experienced Defence Fire Officers to ensure that we meet the challenges of today and those new ones presented to us by Defence Reform and the Strategic Defence Review.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This appointment demonstrates how UK Defence integrates leadership with experience gained in both civilian and international fire services. It highlights how skills from urban, rural, and island operations are being applied to Defence fire assurance.

For fire and safety professionals, the appointment provides insight into the standards and approaches that are being aligned across Defence and UK inspectorates, while also underlining the value of international experience within Defence Fire and Rescue structures.

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