Agenda item

To receive an update on the local fire service

The Committee considered a presentation, set out in agenda pages 13 to 26, which gave an update on the work of the local fire service.

The presentation outlined a number of demands on the service including their financial position and target savings update, the built environment programme, and their prevention and response service. A range of savings had been delivered including the introduction of the new remotely managed station model and the closure of a number of smaller stations. Three new tri-service stations had been opened since 2017, whilst 19 new generation Volvo fire appliances had also been delivered. Work was continuing to address any concerns relating to buildings at risk of fire due to cladding. A number of response and protection proposals were also presented, including introducing 18 new apprentices to the service and developing a risk based inspection programme methodology to look at both risks to property and risk of compliance.

Dave Crease (Group Manager), Angus Ross (Wokingham Borough Council RBFRS Representative), and Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey (Wokingham Borough Council RBFRS Representative), attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

During the ensuing discussion, Members raised the following points and queries:

·         With regards to interim measures for high-rise buildings, what would happen if landlords did not meet the prescribed deadlines? Group Manager response – The emphasis was to work with the building owners via a measured approach focussing on both safety and enforcement. Powers were available if necessary, however additional staff would likely be required to increase standards. There were a number of buildings within the Borough with enforcement action against them.

·         Were electric and low emission vehicles planned to replace the fleet? Group Manager response – There were no hybrid or electric vehicles within the front-line fleet at present, however the engines used were as efficient as possible. The current dilemma was to assess how front-line vehicles could achieve their functionality whilst running in a hybrid or electric model, for example running pumps for extended periods of time.

·         Were there any examples of where callouts were being reduced relating to previous prevention measures? Group Manager response – A significant reduction had not been realised yet, however this was a difficult area to measure. Prevention measures were important to educate the public and to protect vulnerable groups and to prevent incidents from occurring where possible.

·         Had there been any increase in suspicious fires in relation to property insurance fraud? Group Manager response – This was not something that had seen an increase, and any such cases would be jointly worked on with Thames Valley Police.

·         What were the advantages of recruiting staff via apprenticeships, and how were these staff recruited before? Group Manager response – Previously, recruitment campaigns were run with new recruits then integrated by each service. There was a degree of funding associated with apprenticeships which reduced funding pressures on the services, and the candidates were of the same or better quality than previously recruited.

·         Had sprinkler systems been installed in schools as per motions passed by full Council? Group Manager and Wokingham Borough Council RBFRS representative response – Retrofitting was not cost effective or efficient, however all new schools within the Borough had sprinklers successfully installed. The key message for schools was not necessarily the risk to life, but the impact on the education of the pupils via having the school burnt down in the absence of sprinklers.

·         How many safe and well visits had been carried out in Wokingham, and how did this compare with other areas in Berkshire? Group Manager response – 9,500 visits were planned across Berkshire, with around 1,000 planned for Wokingham Borough. Visits were carried out on a referral basis, and Wokingham Borough was getting slightly less referrals than neighbouring Boroughs.

·         How many motorcyclists had been contacted as part of the road safety programme, and how did the service determine individuals as at risk? Group Manager response – Motorcyclists were a more at-risk group of road users, and individuals were reached out via local groups and clubs. Courses and sessions would be run to meet the demand.

·         Was analysis carried out in relation to accident data for those motorcyclists that attended road safety sessions? Group Manager response – This was not currently carried out; however, this was a good area of focus and work could be carried out via the tri-service arrangement.

·         As the only Berkshire authority with no cadets, how would this be changed? Group Manager response – This was a current plan to instigate such a service, and it was not believed to be majorly challenging to implement. The Community Safety Partnership was keen to support this ambition, and this would represent the expansion of an existing project.

·         Were front line staff trained as first responders? Group Manager – This was not the case within the Wokingham area, however all frontline staff had been upskilled. Such a project had been trialled elsewhere, which had presented both positives and issues.

·         It was noted by the Wokingham Borough Council RBFRS representatives that the RBFRS was in the top quartile for service provision whilst being in the bottom quartile for precept charges. It was added that it would be useful to circulate the Committee presentation to all Members to provide information on the support offered and work carried out by the RBFRS.

·         It was noted that the causation of road traffic incidents needed to be investigated.

·         What were the call out rates for fires compared to other incidents? Group Manager response – False alarm callouts were the most regular callout, followed by supporting other services, and then responding to fires. It was noted that it would be useful for Members to see the full data breakdown.

·         Had there been an increase in deliberate open space fires? Group Manager response – There had been a spike during the lockdown over the summer months, and this would be a case of evaluating any increases going forwards.

·         It was noted that the local safety plan for Wokingham Borough would be going live soon.

RESOLVED That:

1)      David Crease, Angus Ross, and Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)      The Committee presentation be circulated to all Members to provide information on the support offered and work carried out by the RBFRS;

3)      The full breakdown of data relating to the number of callouts and the reason for them be circulated to the Committee;

4)      A further update on the local fire service be considered during the next municipal year.