Fire service 'inadequate' at responding to fires
BBCA fire service will be closely monitored by inspectors after being rated "inadequate" across five areas.
An inspection in February found Northumberland Fire and Rescue's response times had increased, with His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) also raising concerns over the handling of information about high-risk sites.
Chief inspector Michelle Skeer said she was worried about the service's ability to keep people safe and secure from fires, as well as its standards for values and culture.
The county's Chief Fire Officer said the service was committed to delivering changes.
All fire and rescue services are routinely monitored by the inspectorate but Northumberland will now be moved to enhanced monitoring because inspectors said it had not done enough to improve.
It means the service will be given additional support.
Skeer said: "I have concerns about the performance of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.
"I have serious concerns about the service's standards for response, values and culture, training and skills and equality and diversity."
HMICFRSThe performance of the organisation was graded across 10 areas and rated "inadequate" in five, "requires improvement" in three, "adequate" in one area and good in another.
The inspectors rated the service as "inadequate" at responding to fires and other emergencies.
The average response time to more serious fires was 12 minutes and 28 seconds "slower than the average for services that are predominantly rural".
Inspectors found site-specific risk information - data for high-risk premises used to inform firefighter tactics - was not gathered or held effectively.
It follows the service being told to take urgent action in April over the same issue.
'Homophobic and misogynistic language'
The service was rated "inadequate" in promoting, embedding and improving values and culture.
It was found not to have a "clearly defined set of values", with homophobic and misogynistic language sometimes being used.
Inspectors said this did not promote "a safe environment to work in".
Earlier this year, a leaked report into the service found there had been a "culture of fear" under its previous leadership.
Both the former chief and deputy were suspended and later left the organisation, with the former deputy fire chief Jim McNeil saying last month he had been made a scapegoat.
The service was also rated "inadequate " in the following three categories:
- Ensuring fairness and diversity
- Right people, right skills
- Leading people effectively
But the inspectors rated it "good" for protecting the public through fire regulation.
Chief Fire Officer Keith Carruthers said the report offered an "important opportunity to reflect, learn and build on the strengths that already exist within Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service".
"We are committed to delivering the changes needed and ensuring we provide the highest standards of prevention, protection and emergency response for the people of Northumberland," he said.
