Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has presented a detailed account of its performance from September to November 2024.
Covering its prevention, protection, and response activities, the report highlights both achievements and areas requiring attention as the Service continues to serve the county and city of Nottingham.
Response and Incident Trends
Between April and November 2024, NFRS attended 7,435 incidents, reflecting a slight 1.96% increase compared to the previous year. Projections suggest a total of 10,800 incidents for the fiscal year, exceeding the 2023/24 total of 10,595. Grassland fires peaked during the unusually warm August, nearly doubling from the same month in 2023. Despite the challenges, the Service improved its average emergency response time to 8 minutes and 2 seconds, edging closer to its 8-minute target and marking a notable improvement from 2023’s 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
The report also highlights a significant shift in the management of incidents at prisons. A trial launched in August 2024 reduced attendance at such incidents by nearly 50%, aligning responses with those at high-risk locations like hospitals. The trial, part of broader efficiency efforts, has drawn no negative feedback and will undergo further evaluation in 2025.
On-Call Availability and Challenges
On-call station availability fell slightly to 83.1%, just below the Service’s 85% target. Retford’s Day Shift Crewing station demonstrated mixed results, with daytime availability dipping to 58.9% but nighttime availability improving to 92.7%. NFRS anticipates improved recruitment and the introduction of flexible contracts in 2025 will address these challenges.
Community Engagement and Prevention
The Service completed 9,897 Safe and Well Visits (SWVs) by November, representing 66% of its annual target. These visits prioritised individuals aged over 65 and those with disabilities, aligning with NFRS’s risk profiling. Refreshed CHARLIE training for partners such as local councils and housing departments boosted referral rates, strengthening community outreach.
Additionally, 15 community events focused on fire safety, road safety, and online security, engaging over 1,200 schoolchildren. The innovative Occupational Therapist role within the Community Safety Team continued to support vulnerable individuals, enabling them to live safely in their homes.
Fire Protection and Safety Regulation
The Service undertook 830 fire safety audits (FSAs) to date, although falling short of its 2,000-audit target due to resource allocation to the Building Safety Regulator and staff training demands. Notably, enforcement actions increased, with 13 enforcement notices (up 18%) and six prohibition notices (up 200%) issued during the reporting period. The ongoing focus on risk-based inspections promises continued improvement in this critical area.
Efforts to reduce false alarms also persist, though these incidents increased slightly. The Service responded to 791 Unwanted Fire Signals (UwFS), with plans to introduce a new reduction policy in 2025. Encouragingly, lift rescues saw a 26% decrease, aligning with a 3% annual reduction target.
