Greater Manchester’s fire service has been revealed as the ‘most improved’ in the UK, according to a new report.
Not only that, but it’s also been named one of the ‘best performing’ services too.
Following the latest inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has now been revealed as both the most improved fire and rescue service, and one of the best performing in the country.
The report – which was published last Friday (8 March) – examined 11 different areas across GMFRS, which ranged from the prevention of fires, and protecting the public, to promoting the right culture and values, and developing staff.
Today we published our latest inspection of @manchesterfire.
We were pleased with the service's performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks, and commend the service on the changes it has made.
10 of those 11 areas have now been rated ‘good’, which is an impressive increase on the first inspection in 2018, when only three areas received that rating, and seven ‘required improvement’.
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On top of this, six areas have also been recognised as ‘demonstrating promising or innovative practice’ – which is more than any other fire service in the country so far.
GMFRS was commended for the “significant progress” it’s made across the organisation to “drive positive changes” to operations and culture.
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Greater Manchester’s fire service has been revealed as the ‘most improved’ in the UK / Credit: GMFRS
Inspectors praised the service for keeping Greater Manchester residents safe and secure from fires and other risks, particularly noting the “consistent progress” made since the previous inspection, as well as applauding the quality of its fire safety work, and the way it has improved different capabilities – including its terror attack response capability.
Overall, inspectors said they are “confident” the service will continue to progress and improve.
🚒 We are proud to say @manchesterfire is the most improved and one of the best performing fire and rescue services in the country, according to a new @HMICFRS report.
It’s a testament to the hard work of @CFODaveRussel and everyone across GMFRS.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) March 8, 2024
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said he is “immensely proud” of GMFRS for its recent performance in the report.
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“We know that the service of seven years ago has undergone fundamental change, and our Chief Fire Officer and his leadership team have relentlessly committed themselves to that mission,” he continued, “And this report is a testament to their work.”
Mr Burnham also added that it’s a testament to the “tireless efforts” of everyone at GMFRS to keep the region safe and deliver a “professional” and “inclusive” service.
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Andy Burnham wants to bring the ‘Greater Manchester way’ to Westminster
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has set out his vision for the country if he is to become Prime Minister.
In case you need brining up to speed first, after it was announced earlier this month that Andy Burnham had clinched the victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election, winning 24,927 votes (54.8% vote share) and a majority of 9,231, he then went onto announce his intention to run for Labour Party leader, and therefore Prime Minister, after Keir Starmer confirmed he would be stepping down.
And this week, Mr Burnham has now delivered his first speech as part of his ongoing campaign, addressing how he plans to give the country a ‘new direction’.
Burnham says that he wants to bring the ‘Greater Manchester way’ to Westminster.
A lot has been discussed and reported on when it comes to Burnham’s intentions to create a so-called Number 10 North here in Manchester, but what exactly does it mean to take the ‘Greater Manchester way’ to the capital?
“The Greater Manchester way is based on strong partnership between all sectors: public, private, community, voluntary, academic, faith, and our trade unions,” Burnham said in his speech.
He continued: “When I started as Mayor in 2017, we set about building a new approach, a new politics based on the exact opposite of the Westminster approach.
“Place-first, not party-first. Problem-solving, not point-scoring. Long-term, not short-term.
“A decade on, it’s incredible how much we’ve been able to achieve by working together instead of fighting against one another.”
Burnham said he feels the truth is that the country spends ‘too much time arguing and not enough time doing’ and that for Britain to get back where it ‘should be’, his Government would ask everyone to ‘face the same way’ and then ‘pull in that same direction together’.
He declared that No 10 North will be the ‘nerve centre’ for a rewired Britain.
“It will be the conduit through which we redistribute power and resources across the UK,” he concluded. “It will coordinate all parts of Government, at national and local level, to agree a long-term economic strategy and help all places set new growth ambitions.”
Featured Image – GMCA
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Body of missing 15-year-old boy recovered from water at Salford country park
Emily Sergeant
The body of a missing 15-year-old boy has sadly been recovered from the water at a country park in Salford.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a teenager getting in to difficulty in the water at Clifton Country Park in Salford at around 4:51pm this past Saturday (27 June).
Since then, emergency services – including partners from Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) – have been working together to locate the missing boy.
But despite their best efforts, a body was, unfortunately, located in the water yesterday (29 June).
The body was recovered from the water by specialists at North West Under Water Search and Marine Unit, GMP confirmed.
Formal identification is yet to take place, but police are supporting the family of the missing boy in the meantime.
“Saturday’s incident is truly heartbreaking,” commented Detective Inspector Dave Ogden, from the Salford CID.
“My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the young boy who has so tragically lost his life. While we are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances, this incident is an incredibly upsetting reminder of the serious risks associated with open water.
“We understand people want to make the most of the warm weather, but we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.
“Please take care and enjoy the weather in a safe way.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2024 
