Norfolk Fire recognised for 'impressive' work during the pandemic
New report into Norfolk Fire Service's pandemic response released.
Last updated 22nd Jan 2021
A report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has found that's Norfolk Fire's response to the pandemic has been impressive.
The report concluded "we were impressed with how the service adapted and responded to the pandemic effectively and how it put the health and well-being of its people at the forefront of decision-making."
It added: "The service provided support to Norfolk County Council and the NRF, including advice, resources, and effective command and control frameworks to co-ordinate its response.
"It maintained its statutory functions of prevention, protection and response while providing additional support to the community during the first phase of the pandemic, especially to its health partners.
"Wholetime firefighters and support staff delivered essential items and food packages to vulnerable people, on-call firefighters drove ambulances, and the service’s unpaid community volunteers assisted the council with completing risk assessments and planning the mortuary facility.
"Resources were well managed, and the service’s financial position was largely unaffected. Reserves didn’t have to be used to cover extra costs. The service responded quickly and acted to build resilience in its control room and fire stations."
The report also commended the service on its communication with staff throughout, including on issues relating to staff well-being.
During the pandemic Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has carried out many additional duties, including:
Chief Fire Officer Stuart Ruff said: "This awful pandemic has seen loss of life and a great deal of suffering.
"In these circumstances, we are proud that the report findings highlight the great work being done by our team across the county to protect Norfolk, and the public should feel confident in our abilities during this pandemic."
He added: "I am very pleased that during such a difficult time for us all, we have been recognised for doing our absolute best to support partner agencies and the people of Norfolk.
"The public should have great confidence in the report findings, which offer reassurance that we are here to help and not only maintain our usual duties, but step in to support wherever we can."
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "I am very proud of the service and all the staff, who have been able to maintain their usual duties as well as taking on many new responsibilities during the pandemic.
"This report recognises the efforts made, and which continue to be made, by all our teams to ensure we protect Norfolk throughout this pandemic."