Have your say on the future of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has launched a consultation on its draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), which outlines its key priorities for protecting lives, property, and the environment.
The consultation, which runs from 8 January 2025 to 19 February 2025, offers everyone in Essex the chance to shape a plan that will guide the Service’s work over the coming years.
This consultation follows a similar process that took place last year, when Essex residents were asked to comment on proposed priorities. The results from that initial consultation have shaped this draft CRMP and priorities.
Why this matters
The CRMP addresses the risks and challenges facing Essex communities and makes sure the Service is prepared to meet them. Whether it’s preventing fires in your home, making public spaces safer, or ensuring emergency responses are quick and effective, this plan has a direct impact on your safety and wellbeing.
Key goals for a safer Essex
The draft CRMP outlines five strategic priorities:
- Preventing fires and other emergencies: Taking proactive steps to reduce risks.
- Reducing the impact of fire in the built environment: Enhancing safety in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
- Responding effectively to emergencies: Ensuring rapid and professional emergency responses.
- Inclusive and high-performing culture: Fostering equality, diversity, and excellence within the Service.
- A resilient and sustainable future: Preparing for long-term challenges like climate change.
These goals align with national standards and have been developed through extensive engagement with staff, partners and the public.
The plan builds on lessons learned from the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), which has been extended to 31 March 2025 to ensure a smoother transition period and reflects both current and emerging risks across Essex.
How to get involved
Public feedback is crucial. By participating in the consultation, you can help make sure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of everyone in Essex. Here’s how to take part:
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “The Community Risk Management Plan is about making Essex safer together. Whether it’s making sure our teams are equipped to respond to emergencies or helping prevent fires in the first place, your feedback is vital to creating a plan that truly reflects the needs of our communities.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This is your chance to have your say. We want to prevent more fires and save more lives as well as delivering an effective response if a fire does happen. We want to help our county fire and rescue service to manage risk across Essex and prevent harm in our communities and we need to know your views on the plan to achieve these priorities.”
Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of fire and rescue services in Essex. The consultation closes on 19 February 2025. Have your say and make your voice heard today.