Facing the challenge: review of FRS response to summer floods

In his report, ‘Facing the challenge’, Sir Ken Knight, the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, praises the fire and rescue service for their dedication and professionalism in dealing with severe challenges during the floods last summer, and for their role in protecting lives, infrastructure and property.

Photo: West Midlands FRS

The report, published on 17 March, examines a number of key issues including:

• FRS command and control
• the national capability to respond to major floods
• equipment and training
• health and safety
• effective use of flood risk information
• the national co-ordination of FRS assets, like high volume pumps
• the role of Category 2 responders, including utility companies, in emergencies.

Professional response
Sir Ken Knight said: "My review shows that there was a magnificent response by the Fire and Rescue Service's firefighters, control room and support staff. Firefighters responded with their renowned professionalism and complete dedication to the challenges faced in very difficult conditions. The national coordination of the high volume pumps across the country worked well, helping to protect infrastructure and homes. However, it is clear that improvements can be made and lessons learned.”

Control and communications
One of the critical issues faced by the FRS was the difficulty of dealing with the high number of calls from the public, especially during periods of peak demand. The review findings underpin the rationale for the FiReControl project, and conclude that a number of the difficulties experienced in the current disparate fire control arrangements will be overcome through the proposed network of regional control centres.

Key findings
Sir Ken’s review does not propose any flood rescue duty on the FRS or any other body, but
identifies the key issue as one of resource provision, including personal protective
equipment, boats, pumps and training, to facilitate the delivery of an effective national
interoperable response by the FRS and other agencies.

His report also recommends the sharing of information on flood planning and weather risks.
Utilities providers, such as gas and electricity, should consistently take part in coordination arrangements for emergency response. Common standards of training for inland water rescue operations should be considered by the Skills Council.

Next steps
Sir Ken’s recommendations will feed into the wider review of the flooding emergency by Sir Michael Pitt, which will be published in summer 2008.

‘Facing the challenge’, Sir Ken Knight’s review, is at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/floodingreview