Fire and Rescue Service asks for public feedback

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is launching a public consultation to help shape its future.

The consultation, now open, invites anyone who lives, works, or visits Essex to share their views on proposed changes that will be included in the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2025-2030.

Earlier this year, thousands of Essex residents provided feedback on the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s (PFCC) priorities for the fire service, which informed the development of the PFCC’s Fire and Rescue Plan. The CRMP is the next phase, detailing how ECFRS will turn this strategy into action.

The CRMP will outline how the Service plans to identify and manage risks across Essex over the next five years, focusing on emerging risks and how proactive prevention and education will build safer, more resilient communities.

Through this consultation, the Service is asking for input on how it can enhance its ability to:

• Manage high demand: Ensuring efficient responses while maintaining community engagement.
• Improve critical response times and availability across the county.
• Reduce risks: Addressing the needs of an aging population and delivering focused safety programs for young people, particularly around road and water safety.
• Protect the built environment: Supporting public safety in buildings through fire safety regulations.
• Plan for the future workforce: Preparing for the challenges of a changing workforce and investing in highly skilled personnel.

Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton said: “Our goal is to be one of the best Fire and Rescue Services in the country, and that means providing people with the services they deserve - one that works tirelessly to prevent emergencies from happening as well as responding swiftly in times of crisis.

“The Community Risk Management Plan is built on what we’ve heard from our public, our partners and our people. It’s about identifying and understanding risks, from new technology to the impact of extreme weather, so we can reduce the impact these have. We need your feedback and ideas to make sure our proposals meet the needs of everyone we serve and make Essex safer together. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of fire safety and resilience in Essex.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “The Community Risk Management Plan is the operational blueprint that will deliver on the strategic priorities outlined in the Fire and Rescue Plan 2024-2028. This is about ensuring Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has the right resources, the right training, and the right focus to keep Essex safe and secure, now and in the future. We’ve consulted extensively to develop this plan, but we need ongoing input to refine and strengthen it. By working together, we can ensure that ECFRS continues to protect and serve the people of Essex effectively.”

To have your say and make a difference, visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TellECFRS/  to complete the survey or search “Tell ECFRS” on our website to read the supporting information before Sunday 17 November.