Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has published its Annual Report for 2022-23.
2022-2023 was an important year for the Service and this report recognises the fantastic work that was undertaken by our staff for the benefit of the people of Berkshire.
The last financial year saw the Service celebrate several milestones against a backdrop of incredible demand. The summer of 2022 brought a sustained period of hot, dry weather. As anticipated, the high temperatures and drought conditions significantly increased demand on the Service with the number of outdoor fires doubling that of an average year.
We were also inspected by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which confirmed RBFRS is performing to a high standard, receiving three ‘good’ judgments across the areas (effectiveness, efficiency and people) inspected.
Following investment from Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Theale Community Fire Station was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire. This new state-of-the-art facility will help us to deliver on our Strategic Commitment to ensure that our fire stations, people, and resources are placed firmly at the heart of our communities.
Additionally, we saw 18 new Apprentice Firefighters join the Service after they successfully completed a 13-week training course. This was the first year RBFRS recruited Apprentices into the crucial firefighter role. New Breathing Apparatus equipment was also deployed at fire stations across the County, in line with our partner services across the Thames Valley.
Over the next 12 months, we will continue to work hard to deliver our Corporate Plan and Community Risk Management Plan (2023-2027) to ensure that the Service has the right resources, people, and plans to build on the work completed in 2022-23.
Read the Annual Report online.