Up in Smoke cover art

Up in Smoke

My True Story of Life as a Firefighter

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Up in Smoke

By: Leigh Hosy-Pickett
Narrated by: Leigh Hosy-Pickett
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About this listen

'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.

©2021 Leigh Pickett (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

'A hilarious insight into the everyday heroics of firefighter who put their lives on the line for us all.' Russell Brand

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

'Highly inspiring and impossible to put down' Nazir Afzal OBE
All stars
Most relevant  
Thank you Leigh, for this enlightening and life saving book!
That you have used your time in between saving lives and cats, to share your vast and incredible experience as a dedicated Fire Fighter.
The tips are so practical on how to fire proof our homes and also easy to follow procedures in case of an emergency.
Thank you for your openness and insight into the life of our heroic Fire Fighters.
Well worth the read!

Life Saving

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this was a great insite of a firefighters job. The Audible reading was outstanding 100%.

Brilliant

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A great insight into life as a Fire Fighter, with a fire safety message running through it. Message to government. LOOK AFTER OUR BRILLIANT EMERGENCY SERVICES.

Enjoyable if slightly emotional read.

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Such a great collection of stories, tied together nicely with a bit of humour. The book is very respectful and shows some of the issues faced by a firefighter.
Well worth a read, or listen.

Insightful, heartfelt and often hilarious

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Thanks for sharing your experience through the book. Good times and bad. Thanks for your service

Excellent

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Thoroughly enjoyed and was gripped from start to finish of this book. Had me smiling and laughing at some parts and quiet and reflective at others due to the nature of the incidents and stories described. Would highly recommend it to anyone

A fantastic listen

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I’m really not a book reader or audiobook listener but this one had me gripped. Being in the fire service I can relate to a lot of it and shows how spit on this book is. A great listen for anyone interested in the fire service!

What a book!

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A must read for any aspiring firefighter. One minute your laughing from the brilliant banter amongst the firefighting crew and the odd scenarios they find themselves in, the next minute your tearing up from the tragic stories and experiences shared.

hilarious and harrowing all at the same time.

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I've never been one for reading... or listening to books about the job, as i found the ones i had seemed to be more of an ego trip. However, the reviews drew my interest.
This is by far the truest and brutality honest account of i job i have loved since the day i started in 1998, like the author, its had a profound impact on my own mental health and I've struggled in recent years.
With my impending retirement in December 2023, it's given me the pride and confirmation to say.....i wouldn't change a thing, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
It's one of my lifes greatest privileges to call myself a firefighter.
Congratulations, Leigh Hosy-Pickett. This is a cracker 🚒👍

heart-felt and true to the job

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Outstanding memoir by UK Firefighter who tells it with honesty sometimes brutall and savage honesty. The good, the funny, the sad and totally stupid!

Ever wanted to sit and chat to.a firefighter and get the stories. Here is your chance.

I liked that Leigh was honest about when things went wrong. Like driving away from a motorway RTC leaving a firefighter still on the top of appliance after they had just fixed the ladders in place!

Leigh also shared the wind ups colleagues pulled on him amd those he was involved in playing on other firefighters.

Fascinating Firegfighter Memoirs

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