Concerns fire service can't keep people safe - report

There are concerns a fire service cannot keep people safe from fires and other risks, a report has found.

The report by HM Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) questioned the efficacy of the south Wales service in consistently identifying, prioritising and mitigating risks for the public.

It was called for by the service's new commissioners after a series of damning independent reviews found sexual harrassment and misogynistic behaviour within the service.

Fin Monahan, chief fire officer, described the findings as a "hard read" but assured colleagues there is a "robust" plan in place for dealing with the recommendations.

The HMICFRS inspector, Roy Wilsher, said the service did not have up-to-date risk information to protect both the public and firefighters.

It found the service didn't always prioritise those most at risk and there was a lack of understanding among staff of the service's targets for reporting high-risk categories.

These include considering people's age, mobility, and whether the person lives alone or has been hoarding, among other things.

The report also found it needed to "be more effective in tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination" following criticisms of its workplace culture identified in a previous review.

It found one in six staff surveyed said they'd felt bullied or harassed at work, or discriminated against, and the number of disciplinary actions taken had doubled in two years.

The fire service was taken over by the Welsh government in February 2024 after it was found to have a culture of sexual harassment and misogyny.

Gareth Tovey, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for Wales, said the report came as "no suprise".

He said fire and rescue services in Wales are in a state of emergency due to "years of under-funding" and investment is needed to adequately protect the public and workforce.

"This cannot be avoided," he said, adding: "Instead, the inspectorate ominously suggests that the service must steel itself for the potential of further cuts."

Mr Tovey said firefighters are working in smaller crews and covering larger areas with fewer resources, all while tackling increasing wildfires and flooding.

"We need to see properly funded fire and rescue services, fit to face the challenges laid out in these reports and ready to tackle emerging cuts," Mr Tovey added.

Mr Monahan, who was appointed at the end of the inspection period, itted he was concerned by the report but said the service volunteered itself for the "deep scrutiny" to highlight what is wrong, so they could put it right.

He said many of the recommendations were already covered by its strategy, as the assessment was taken six months ago.

Mr Monahan said "inclusive leadership training" had since been introduced as part of the effort to change the culture of the service.

He added the service had a massive task on its hands which would take time, but he was confident there were "excellent people who are working 24/7 doing amazing things".

Mr Wilsher said: "I don't underestimate how much improvement is needed."

He added he was encouraged by the commitment shown by the chief officer and the commissioners to make improvements through developing a "transformation programme".

In a statement, the service said it was "listening, learning, and seeking to lead the way in fire and rescue service transformation of cultures".

It added it was committed to delivering an exceptional service to reflect its internal values of "inclusivity, transparency, and ability".

The Welsh government said the service had begun implementing the recommendations and it would continue to work with the commissioners and the chief fire officer to deliver their improvement priorities.