The Annual Report of the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service (GFRS) is released today, which shows a reduction in incidents of 9%, a 1% budget underspend and provides details of how the GFRS prepared for Brexit and replaced two fire appliances that are expected to remain in service for the next 20 years.
An analysis of calls throughout the year shows a reduction in every area of operational response apart from "Special Service" (Road Traffic Collisions), which had an increase of four incidents.
In 2018 there was a reported 52% increase in fire incidents, attributed to the long, hot summer and people lighting bonfires which subsequently spread to surrounding dry undergrowth. As 2019 did not have the same prolonged summery conditions, there was a reduction in the number of bonfires causing such issues. This effectively reduced fire incidents by 17% year-on-year.
A world leading specialist in extracting survivors from vehicles also visited the island to deliver a two day course covering current operational equipment and methods of extraction, but also explaining innovations from around the world and details of what was being developed.
A new turntable ladder - replacing the previous 1998 model - was delivered. It has a whole host of refinements and improvements, allowing it to be put into operation quicker and access an increased ranges of height owing to the articulated section at the top of the ladder. It has already been used operationally, including with the St John Emergency Ambulance Service to assist in recovering a casualty. A new "all-terrain" fire appliance, based on a Toyota Hilux 4x4, was also purchased.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said:
"The addition of these new vehicles enhances our ability to respond to incidents and helps to future proof the service. The report details the huge range of work undertaken by the GFRS, including the vast amount of non-emergency activity which takes place to ensure premises are safe to be in, children are educated in fire safety and smoke alarms are fitted for free."
