Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Inspection Report Released

An inspectorate checked the fire and rescue service. The check took three months and looked at eleven areas. The inspectorate then published a report on their findings.

The service was “good” in three areas, including major incidents, leadership, and future affordability. It was “adequate” in three other areas, covering values, culture, fairness, diversity, and risk understanding.

Inspectors indicated that four areas needed improvement. These include fire regulation, emergency response, and best use of resources, as well as ensuring the right people with the right skills. Preventing fire and risk got the lowest rating: “inadequate.” No area was “outstanding.”

The inspector was satisfied with some service aspects but had serious concerns about fire prevention effectiveness. Prevention activities were not targeted well, and crews focused on numbers, not those at risk.

The service lacked a strong evaluation process, which means they could miss chances to improve prevention. Concerns existed regarding this prevention work, and an alert prompted a quick action plan about prevention.

The inspector plans to revisit in 2025 to review the service’s progress. He noted progress since a prior check in earlier years.

Inspectors rated major incident response as “good.” The team prepares well for expected threats and handled tall building incidents effectively.

The fire chief stated that the report shows good progress and that they want to become outstanding. He says they must keep improving and evaluating, and that the report points out where more work is necessary to achieve the goal: the best service for the public.