Scottish fire and rescue services making progress on reform

Scottish fire and rescue authorities are giving more emphasis to fire prevention and community safety, but it is too early to demonstrate a sustained reduction in risks from fire.

This is the conclusion of a report published today by Audit Scotland on behalf of the Accounts Commission, looking at progress made by the eight Scottish fire and rescue authorities in modernising their services since the introduction of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Improving safety

The new approach is bringing about changes in how fire and rescue authorities deliver services. Authorities are increasingly involved in working with other organisations like the police and councils to improve the safety of local communities. New procedures to manage hoax calls and respond to automatic fire alarms have delivered efficiency savings and freed up staff for community fire safety activities.

Alastair MacNish, Chairman of the Accounts Commission, said: “Fire and rescue authorities are putting more effort into the prevention of fires, and there is some early evidence that home fire safety visits and partnership initiatives have helped to reduce the number of people killed in domestic fires. However, there is no clear pattern of improvement across Scotland in the first year of change.”

Whilst the number of deaths through house fires fell from 74 in 2004/05 to 54 in 2005/06, the number of incidents attended by fire and rescue services in the same period increased by 3.7 per cent despite targeted safety initiatives. All fire and rescue authorities need to do more to evaluate the impact of their community safety work to ensure they are making best use of their resources.

The report also highlights the need for a more modern attitude within fire and rescue authorities towards their workforce. The lack of diversity in the workforce is an area in need of urgent improvement. Even after targeted recruitment campaigns only 3.9 per cent of firefighters are women and 0.5 per cent of the total workforce from minority ethnic groups.

Elected members need to be more involved in the strategic development of their fire and rescue service and in scrutinising performance. The report recommends more specialised training for elected members on Fire and Rescue Boards and Committees.