Agenda item

This report outlines the major strands of activity undertaken within the Tandridge area by the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) teams based at Lingfield Godstone and Oxted Fire Stations during 2016 – 17.

It contains information on the various activities undertaken by the District team to reduce the risk from fire, water and road traffic incidents to the residents of Tandridge District, including direct contact, public education programmes and campaigns. Relevant County wide activity is also included.

(Report and Annex attached).

Declarations of Interest: None

Officer attending: Stuart De Fraine Ford, Assistant Group Commander 

Petition, Public Questions, Statements: None

The Officer presented the report highlighting several key points. Since submitting the report for the agenda the national co-responding trial has been put on hold.

In reference to the statistics on vehicle fires, the Assistant Group Commander noted a recent arrest, since this, the number of vehicle fires has reduced.

SFRS achieve 70% of critical calls within the target response time.  Reasons for not meeting this target are predominately due to the location of the stations to reach all areas of the District and the closure of the A22 which affected Godstone Station. The Officer reiterated that no fire station has closed in Tandridge. However due to location of the population, fire stations are in more urban areas.  There have been difficulties in reaching the north corner, such as Warlingham, however the London Fire Brigade are able to assist sending crews from Biggin Hill or Purley Stations.

Members Discussion – Key Points

·         Members of the Committee thanked the Officer and the Fire and Rescue service for all the work they do, they are a credit to Surrey.  Concerns were raised in relation to the Fire and Rescue Service transferring to the Police as it might not be right for residents. 

·         It was asked if the Officer was aware of any buildings in the District where there may be a fire risk, for example cladding on the building and can Surrey Fire and Rescue Service carry out a fire risk assessment on District buildings? The Officer advised that it is the responsibility of the building owner to carry out the necessary building checks to ensure it meets the regulations.  However after the Grenfell fire in June 2017 the CEO at Surrey requested that the Fire Service visited any high rise buildings to inspect and offer advice.  The Officer confirmed that no serious issues have arisen to date in Surrey. The Officer advised that the District should liaise with the owners on the risk assessments.  SFRS do have a Risk Manager who can provide advice where necessary.

·         Members expressed their disappointed to hear that the co-response trial had closed as saw the benefits for residents.  The Committee raised concerns about the current funding and cuts since 2014 and assured the Officer that Members would try to get fairer funding for Surrey.

·         The importance of building owners and management committees ensuring the fire risk assessments are completed and up to date was raised, as failure to do so would mean invalidating buildings insurance.

·         Mr David Hodge wished to add how SCC have made investments to the Fire and Rescue Service.  The Fire and Rescue Service attend more Road Traffic Incidents than fires so investment has been made in vehicles and equipment to assist firefighters.  During the Grenfell fire, SFRS were on the scene in 32 minutes and had the necessary equipment to assist, which appliances from other areas did not have to support the incident.  There are also two new fire stations in Surrey in Woking and Guildford.

·         The Chairman thanked the Officer for attending and for the work the Fire and Rescue Service do for Surrey residents.

Resolution    

The Local Committee (Tandridge):

      i.        RECOGNISED the achievements of SFRS teams both within Tandridge and across the County this year, support their commitment in further identifying and improving initiatives to reduce risk and make the District of Tandridge safer especially for those more vulnerable within the community.

     ii.        RECOGNISED the standard achieved in District Key Performance Indicators (Annex 1).