Priority Two
Our operational resources provide an effective emergency response, to meet the local and national risks identified in our CRMP.
We have begun a project to analyse our specialist rescue vehicles, looking into their locations and capabilities relative to the risks they cover and the incidents to which they are deployed. This work is linked to other research, including making the best use of space at our fire stations and the specification for any new vehicles we buy. For example, our newest aerial ladder platforms have a longer vertical and horizontal reach than those being replaced, and we have new off-road vehicles to help us access and work in challenging terrain.
New equipment we are using includes smoke curtains and escape hoods, used to protect people and their escape routes out of buildings on fire. These were all recommended in the inquiry following the Grenfell Tower fire.
As well as providing crews with equipment and training for the work they carry out, it is vital they have information about the location and nature of the risks present in their area. We are continuing to improve the ways in which this information is gathered, assessed, and then re-used at incidents and whilst training.
Demand for our services increases during extreme weather events. We support the Environment Agency’s community drop-in events to engage with at-risk communities, and we hold regular training exercises together with colleagues in other emergency services, both within our area and in neighbouring counties.