London Fire Brigade has been rated ‘excellent’ by the Audit Commission in a report released today (Tuesday 3 February).
The report marks improvement since the Brigade’s last assessment in 2004, when it was rated as ‘good.’ Despite working in a challenging context, the Brigade is praised for ‘playing a strong and influential role in emergency planning in London.’
Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which runs the Brigade, Councillor Brian Coleman, AM FRSA, said: “This is good news for London. I welcome the recognition of the impact and leadership which this Authority has at local, regional, national and international levels. Our ambition, performance management and overall achievement received the highest possible rating.”
London Fire Brigade Commissioner, Ron Dobson said: “This Audit Commission report, along with a Government assessment of our operational performance in 2007 which also gave us top marks, means that we are now the best performing brigade in the whole country.
It’s fitting that the hard work and dedication of all London Fire Brigade staff has been recognised. From a huge reduction in the number of fires, to innovative projects to protect the environment, London Fire Brigade staff have pulled out all the stops. I am extremely proud to be heading up the top fire brigade in the country.
This accolade will undoubtedly inspire our staff to continue to work hard to make London a safer city.”
The report highlights that protecting the most vulnerable and those at risk is at the heart of the Brigade’s ambitions and plans. It notes that since 2004 there has been a 17% reduction in all fires; deaths from fire fell by 21%; vehicle fires fell by 76%. Hoax calls fell by 47% following the introduction of a new call challenge initiative. As a direct result of LFEPA campaigns, incidents involving acetylene gas cylinders* have also fallen dramatically.
The Audit Commission also recognises that the Brigade is a ‘national leader on equality and diversity.’ This is further supported by the Stonewall’s recent recognition that London Fire Brigade is the UK’s top ‘gay friendly’ fire and rescue organisation.
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