West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service rated 'good' by inspectors

Independent assessors visited this summer as part of a national inspection programme of all 45 fire and rescue services in England.

It scored ‘good’ in the three main pillars assessing effectiveness, efficiency and how well the service looks after its staff.

Chief Fire Officer John Roberts said: “This inspection looks in great detail at every aspect of the service and every aspect has been deemed as ‘good’.

“We are delighted with the results which are a tribute to the hard work of our 1,400 staff who put their hearts and souls into making West Yorkshire safer on a daily basis.

“This success is down to everyone who plays their part at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters, departmental and Control Room staff, who should all be very proud of what we as a team have achieved."

He added: “There is, of course, always room to learn and develop and we will be looking at the commentary from the inspectors to address any shortfalls they have highlighted, but the overall picture is incredibly positive.”

The service has not been formally inspected in over a decade.

HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Phil Gormley called the results ‘a credit to the service’.

He said: “Overall, the people of West Yorkshire should be proud of the service they receive from their fire service.”

Councillor Darren O’Donovan, Chair of the Fire Authority, said: “This endorsement is a great tribute to the work of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the fact that it is providing a great value service for the taxpayer.

“The report commends not just the fire service’s ability to respond to emergencies but also its work in preventing them.

"It endorses the work done to protect those most at vulnerable in local communities but it also highlights the service’s response to national risks, such as working with neighbouring brigades during the widespread wildfires this year.

"I am truly proud of everyone in the fire service and this great achievement.”