Fire Services "need urgent action" to improve safety
Gloucestershire's service is amongst those identified by the watchdog for needing improvements
Urgent change is needed to improve the performance of fire services in parts of , a watchdog has warned.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) identified "some encouraging improvements" when it scrutinised 15 fire and rescue services but added that "far more needed to be done to reduce risks to public safety".
Concerns were also raised about a "toxic" culture in some fire services.
Inspectors found Gloucestershire's fire service - which was put into special measures earlier this month - needed to "urgently improve" amid serious concerns about its ability to keep people safe.
London Fire Brigade needed to "improve in several important areas and has not made enough progress since its last inspection", the watchdog said.
There were problems with the "culture" and values of half (eight) of the services inspected. The London and Gloucestershire services were described as having a "toxic" culture.
Six new "causes of concern" were raised with London, Gloucestershire, Devon and Somerset, Norfolk and Northamptonshire services because of poor performance on factors including fire prevention, values and culture and fairness and diversity.
Inspector of fire and rescue services Roy Wilsher said: "We have continued to see a general positive shift in services prioritising protection.
"The sector needs to continue this focus so the public can experience long-term safety benefits. This must include sustained Government funding to make sure the number of competent fire protection staff continues to increase.
"However, our second round of inspections has continued to identify issues that need urgent attention.
"It's troubling that some services have failed to act on the causes of concern we issued in 2018 and 2019.
"Worryingly, too many services don't prioritise fire prevention activity enough - this is crucial for public safety."
Well Gloucestershire's Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer, Mark Preece and Cabinet Member, Councillor Dave Norman, have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to address concerns raised by inspectors and build on the strengths of the service.
As part of their action plan, a staff improvement focus group has been established. In addition, views have been sought from the wider workforce through a recent annual staff survey.
Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member with responsibility for fire, said: “We have so many hard working, committed firefighters, staff and volunteers who help to protect our communities in an emergency. "
"They deserve to work for a service where they are respected and treated fairly. Equally those who do not live by the same values as the vast majority of us, must, and will, be held to account."
"I accept that progress has not been quick enough, but I can assure those in the service and communities that we are resolute in our commitment to improve."
“It is important to highlight that the inspectors drew attention to our fire engine availability being good, meaning when the public need the fire and rescue service in an emergency, they will be there.
Gloucestershire County Council has allocated £2million as part of this year’s budget, building on the £2million extra that has been allocated over the past two years to support the required changes and improvements.
Additionally, there is also £8million of funding to make sure crews have the best possible operational vehicles and equipment.