Agenda item

There had been circulated copies of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) Local Plan Performance.  Local Senior Officer (LSO) Gourlay began by thanking Board members for attending the SFRS engagement event the previous day.  He referred to the national negotiations around pay and conditions, explaining that it was hoped that agreement might be reached the following week.  LSO Gourlay then updated on recruitment advising that a full-time support officer for Peeblesshire area would commence shortly, with appointment to the post early 2020.   He went on to explain that the Scottish Government annual performance review of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would be held on 25 September at Peebles Hydro, invitations to this event would be issued to Board members.   Finally, the Newbridge Training Centre was scheduled to complete on 10 September and details of any opening event and/or visit opportunities would be brought forward when available.

5.2       Group Manager (GM) M Jaffray then presented the SFRS Local Plan Performance report for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019. 

5.3       Reduction of ‘Dwelling Fire’ – There had been 19 dwelling fires, a 27% decrease since the same period last year.  Three had been started deliberately, with cooking the cause of seven of the fires and three attributable to careless disposal of smoking materials.

5.4       Reduction of ‘All fire casualties (fatal & non-fatal) -  There were three casualties, three less than the same period last year.  This was the lowest rate in five years.

5.5       Reduction of ‘All Deliberate Fires Excluding Dwellings’ – There had been 48 incidents, an increase of one since the same period last year.  Scottish Borders was below average in this category and continued to undertake prevention work in this respect, with their community action team considering local solutions where appropriate.

5.6       Reduction of ‘Special Service – RTCs’ – The SFRS attended 18 RTCs, a slight increase of two compared to last year.  The SFRS continued to attend cross border incidents when required.

5.7       Reduction of ‘Special Service Casualties – All’ – There were 25 Special Service casualties, an increase in five in comparison with the same period last year, two of which were unfortunately fatal. 

5.8       Reduction of ‘False Alarm – Equipment Failure’ – There had been 189 false alarm incidents, with equipment failure accounting for 132.   This was a welcome decrease and GM Jaffray acknowledged support from NHS Borders and introduction of the Take 5 initiative.   

5.9       GM Jaffray then went on to discuss Prevention and Protection activities.  Copies of a report detailing figures from Quarter 1 (1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019) had been circulated with the agenda.  The report detailed that home fire safety visits were ahead of target, with referrals from partner agencies e.g. the Safer Communities Team and housing associations, important in identifying individuals at risk.  SFRS youth engagement work with young offenders also continued to have a positive impact.    

5.10     In response to a questions, LSO Gourlay advised that there were no concerns around recruitment but they could always do more. However, the SFRS were considering a range of options including flexible, contractual arrangements to attract recruitment of retained firefighters.   Regarding development of a young workforce, the SFRS attended schools to attract young people to the service.  With regard to equipment, the SFRS were considering smaller fire appliances, capable of carrying the same equipment. SFRS staffs’ local views would be sought prior to any changes to appliances.

DECISION

NOTED the report.

ADJOURNMENT

The Chairman adjourned the meeting from 11.20 am to 11.30 am.