Report downgrades quality of fire service

A DAMNING assessment of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (DSFRS) has criticised senior leaders for being poor role models, while noting a lack of support for firefighters who have experienced harassment, discrimination or bullying.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

The report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has raised deep concerns about the culture, leadership and resourcing of the service, which covers one of the largest fire service areas in the country, serving more than 1.8 million residents.

In a comprehensive inspection, the watchdog noted "the service hasn't made the progress we expected since our 2021 inspection" and was failing in several key areas, particularly in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting victims of bullying and prioritising fire prevention for those most at risk.

The report concluded the performance of DSFRS has dropped in four areas. It is now only rated as 'good' in three of the 11 areas scrutinised by HMICFRS.

Preventing fires and other risks, protecting the public through fire regulation, how it makes the best use of its resources and getting the right people with the right skills are now a lower rating - two are now deemed 'adequate' and two 'require improvement'.

Making sure the fire service is affordable now and in the future was the only area to improve its rating, rising from 'requires improvement' to 'adequate'.

But it did praise as 'good' its response to fires and other emergencies, and major and multi-agency incidents.