A FIRE chief from Poland is visiting his Lancashire counterparts as the county's brigade launches a strategy for Eastern European migrants.

Captain Marcin Cisek, a senior officer in Warshaw, will visit Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on Monday (June 25) and stay until Friday July 6.

His visit coincides with the preparation of a strategy "to ensure that Eastern European migrant communities are as safe from fire as the population at large", said a brigade spokesman.

Captain Cisek will observe the work of Lancashire firefighters and help bosses draw up the strategy.

A fire service spokesman said: "Over the past two years there has been a significant increase in the number of Eastern European migrant workers into various parts of Lancashire.

"There are now large Polish communities in Lancaster and Morecambe, Blackpool, East Lancashire and West Lancashire.

"Consistent with its aim to reduce fire deaths and injuries throughout Lancashire and within all communities, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has developed a specific Fire Safety strategy to ensure that Eastern European migrant communities are as safe from fire as the population at large."

During his visit, Captain Cisek will meet Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland, take in a lecture at the University of Central Lancashire, meet the Polish community in Morecambe and go out on duty with Blackpool firefighters.