"Out of the Fire" - Fundraiser Event Associates:

In aid of The Fire Fighters Charity - Gibson Gives - Kaizen Summit - Indie Short Fest

About Us

Supporting voices behind the sirens

Out of the Fire Initiative CIC is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of frontline emergency workers and their families through education, advocacy, and creative projects.

We exist to deliver mental health support resources, public awareness campaigns, and community events that directly benefit frontline responders and their families.

Community Interest Company No. 16416162

Mission:
To raise public awareness about firefighter wellbeing challenges through events, storytelling, support resources, and advocacy.

Why our mission matters:

Every shift, emergency responders face extreme, life-altering moments — often without adequate closure or support. Our mission is to ensure that no responder faces the lasting impacts of trauma alone.

Vision:
A world where every emergency responder feels seen, supported, and valued.

Award winning Safe Drive Stay Alive
Campaign - 2016
Max's first prevention measure for young drivers, public safety and wellbeing with "If We Make it Through the Night"

Maximilian Curnow - Founder

Maximilian is a former Firefighter and IEC responder - turned writer, director, DP and producer who draws on his lived frontline experience to bring authentic insight to the role behind the sirens. His work explores themes of trauma, resilience, and identity — blending cinematic craft with social impact.

Alongside works published by the BBC, Universal Music, and Warner Chappell, Max has spent a decade crafting music and film in solidarity for the emergency services - in aid of Fire Fighters Charity and in association with teams backed by Mind and Samaritans, earning praise from government officials and OBE recipients for contributions to national safety campaigns. Following his service, he was awarded an O-1B visa for extraordinary ability in the arts, allowing him to scale his filmmaking and advocacy work between Los Angeles and the UK - with multiple projects in development.

The OOTF Community Interest Company was established to formally champion frontline mental health, amplify lived experiences, and expand public understanding through storytelling and grassroots action.

Advocacy & Creative Timeline

Founder & Managing Director – Out of the Fire Initiative CIC

2015 – Catalyst for Change

Served as a Firefighter and IEC Trauma Care Responder, witnessing firsthand the emotional and physical toll of road traffic collisions—the leading cause of death for young people.
Wrote and produced “If We Make It Through the Night”, a visceral music video featuring a real car crash and live extrication by his crew. It was adopted by the national Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign.
The video helped SDSA win the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, was promoted by the Chief Fire Officers Association, and received national and international press coverage.

2016 – Building Media for Public Safety

Invited by the Chief Fire Officer to co-establish a media division within Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, working with ambulance services and UK government to produce impactful video content for public safety, training, and mental health awareness.

2018 – A Personal Reckoning

Suffered a career halting injury and the tragic loss of a friend and colleague, leading to a period of grief, immobility, and the onset of PTSD.
Documented his recovery journey, beginning his lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy rooted in lived experience.

2019 – Recovery & Recognition

Lost 55kg gained during injury recovery and reconditioned through strength training, regaining physical and emotional stability.
Joined Spitfire Audio, collaborating with Hans Zimmer, Abbey Road, and Ólafur Arnalds on internationally acclaimed orchestral sample libraries used across the music and film industries.

2020 – Mental Health in Music

Released “Tar & Honey”, “Fire Eater”, and “Chased By Wolves” — a trilogy of raw, award-nominated music videos exploring trauma, emotional recovery, and resilience.
Songs featured in major outlets including Guitar World, The Soundcheck, and Distorted Sound Magazine.
Lyrics such as “You may be damaged, but you’re not broken” and “Pain can’t dissipate — it just gets passed on” have been used in mental health workshops and advocacy campaigns.

2021 – Expanding Advocacy

Produced a short-form video campaign on suicide prevention, signposting to Mind and Samaritans, and began development of a short film to scale his impact through storytelling.

2024–Present – Launch of Out of the Fire Initiative CIC

Founded Out of the Fire Initiative CIC to support emergency service mental health through film, events, and public engagement.
Wrote, directed, and released “Out of the Fire” — an award-winning short film based on lived experience as a firefighter and trauma responder.
Organised an upcoming public advocacy event in partnership with The Fire Fighters Charity, featuring frontline voices, panel talks, and live performances.
Gained recognition and support from leading figures including Stephen Fry, national mental health organisations, and emergency service leadership.
Currently developing:
- A feature-length adaptation of Out of the Fire
- A public handbook for families of trauma-exposed workers
- A national outreach campaign to transform how we understand and respond to unseen trauma

Maxi Curnow’s work has earned national recognition, government endorsements, and international praise for fusing raw creative expression with life-saving advocacy. His leadership of Out of the Fire Initiative CIC is grounded in experience, resilience, and a fierce commitment to change.

🏆 Recognitions and Collaborations

Commended by the Chief Fire Officer on three separate occasions for leadership during critical incidents and humanitarian efforts.
Collaborated with Universal Music and the BBC, integrating creative arts with public safety messaging.
Received endorsements from notable figures for contributions to mental health advocacy.
Prince Michael International Road Safety Award – Contributed to the Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign, which received this prestigious award.
Public Sector Transformation Gold Award – Recognized for outstanding contributions to public safety through media work with Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.

🎤 Testimonials

"Maxi's essential production contributions went on to help us achieve national recognition and awards, such as the Public Sector Transformation Awards."
— Matthew Philip England, Emergency Preparedness Response and Recovery Manager, NHS

"I wholeheartedly support Maxi's application for an O1 visa, and why Surrey Fire and Rescue Service absolutely recognise Maxi Curnow as a person of Extraordinary Ability."
— Karen Pointer, Group Commander, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

🏅 Endorsements & Recognition

Recognised by UK Fire Service leadership as “a person of distinction” and “of extraordinary ability.”

Endorsed by:

Group Commander Karen Pointer, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service

Matthew England, NHS Emergency Preparedness Lead

Jim Glover, OBE, High Sheriff of Surrey

Kay Hammond, Surrey Cabinet Associate for Community Safety

Councillor Richard Walsh, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing