Norfolk Fire told it needs to make major improvements by inspectors
The service still requires improvement but has improved in understanding fires and it's response to incidents
The fire service in Norfolk has been told it needs to make major improvements by government inspectors.
The Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) says they still require improvement - and need to step up its activities in the community to keep people safe - in particular protecting vulnerable people from the risk of fire.
Inspectors also raised concerns about a lack of proper investigations after some fatal fires, but overall the service was found to be good at responding to emergencies and understanding fires.
What have Norfolk Fire had to say about all this?
Interim Chief Fire Officer Tim Edwards said:
"We welcome the report and are pleased that four areas of our work were recognised as being good, with two of these improving since our last full inspection in 2019 and I am proud of the work our service has done over the past three years and continues to do each day.
“As a learning organisation, we have already taken steps to improve some of the other areas highlighted in the report, since the inspectors’ visit last Autumn.
“We are of course disappointed with some of the inspection findings and are committed to reducing risk and creating a safer Norfolk for all.”
"We have committed extra resource"
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said:
“Norfolk County Council is committed to supporting the improvements required and has already taken steps to address some of the points raised. For example, we have committed extra resource to increase staffing within the prevention and protection departments.
I was pleased to see that improvements in some areas have been recognised, which is testament to the commitment of the team.”