Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities which presented Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Annual report for Halton 2012-13.  The Board also received an update on the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP).

The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service representative, Mr Alex Walller highlighted the key areas in the report, in particular that there had been a 25 % reduction in primary fires, which represented the lowest number ever recorded.  Injuries had also reduced and had been categorised as slight with no serious injuries. However, there had been one fatality in a fire in Halton during 2012-13, but it was the first since 2008-9.

It was reported that accidental dwelling fires had been included in the primary fires category and these numbers were at an all-time low and

had been relatively static over the last three years in Halton. Delivery of Home Safety Assessments continued to be focused on those households most at risk and this had been backed up with publicity campaigns highlighting key safety messages, particularly around safety in the kitchen where around 50% of house fires started.

          The Board was advised that deliberate fires were more of an issue in Halton than in the other areas covered by the Cheshire Fire Authority.  However, there had been a dramatic reduction of 35% over the last three years. It was likely that the wet weather would have contributed to the reductions in 2012-13.  However, there had been concerted efforts to tackle the problems in ‘hotspot’ areas in Halton, particularly focusing on small (secondary) deliberate fires associated with anti-social behaviour.

In respect of IRMP it was reported that the delivery plans were on track. The Board were reminded of the plans as follows:-

·             Widnes - remove the second fire engine and provide additional cover from the new whole time station at Penketh; and

·             Runcorn - change how the second fire engine was crewed from whole time to On-call (24/7).

The plans for Runcorn, it was reported were on track to commence in April 2014.  However, because the crew consisted of new fire fighters, they would not be in a position to stand alone for approximately 18 – 24 months.  Therefore, a small whole time crew would remain in Runcorn to keep the pump operational whilst the new fire fighters completed their training. The Board noted that all the On-call crew would live five minutes of the station.

In respect of the plans for Widnes, it was reported that numerous sites had been identified for the new station at Penketh; with one site being explored further near the Fiddlers Ferry roundabout.  However there had been a slight delay due to planning permission as the site contained great crested newts which were protected.  It was anticipated that the station would be built and operational within two years and when completed the second pump would be removed from Widnes.

The Board noted the activities and success the Council had achieved in contributing to the 35% reduction in deliberate fires in the Borough.

The Board noted the excellent firework event that had taken place in Halton.  It was reported that Cheshire Fire Authority supported the events and hoped they would continue and consideration be given to increase the number of these events throughout the Borough.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        The report and comments raised be noted; and

(2)        Alex Waller be thanked for his informative verbal presentation.