Kate Fullen

Kate Fullen is a British author and memoirist known for writing in the non-fiction genre. She is best known for Lifting the Fire Hydrant Lid (2019), a raw memoir about her life as a firefighter. The book offers insight into the British Fire and Rescue Service. Kate Fullen is also the founder and Director of Chaos and Charisma.

Born in County Durham, Kate Fullen is the second of four children. She grew up with two brothers and learned early to hold her own among male peers. This competitive drive helped her win three consecutive national chess championships and reach a high level in several sports.

Kate graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Sports Science. She was unsure of her career path until she visited the Fire Service Training Centre. This visit changed her life and led her to become a firefighter. She has served in the Fire and Rescue Service for over 16 years in the North East of England.

Outside work, Kate has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, coached soccer in the United States, and managed a women's football team. She completed the first Tough Mudder event in Scotland. More recently, she adopted two boys as a single parent. After her second son arrived, Kate shifted careers. She now works as a personal trainer and life coach.

Lifting the Fire Hydrant Lid follows Kate’s early days as a recruit. It explores the intense pressure, emotional challenges, and unpredictability that come with the job. The book also highlights the experience of a northern, queer, working-class female firefighter.