The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Performance Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss performance and letters of appreciation. The committee was also scheduled to discuss formal complaints, but this discussion was scheduled to be held in private.

Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on organisational performance at the end of the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year¹. The report, prepared by the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, noted that 48.83% of strategic performance indicators met or exceeded their target level, while 55.8% either maintained or improved when compared to performance last year.

The report broke down performance into prevention, protection, and response.

Prevention indicators that were scheduled to be discussed:

• There had been no fatalities in accidental dwelling fires this year.
• There had been 99 accidental dwelling fires, which is 13 above target. Kitchen-related fires remain the primary risk, with occasional smoking-related incidents.
• There had been six hospitalisations resulting from accidental dwelling fires, which is slightly below the target of seven.
• There had been 2,358 secondary fires year-to-date, significantly above the target of 1,586. The increase is largely attributed to the notably dry, warm weather with minimal rainfall, which has led to a spike in vegetation-related incidents.
• There had been 9,481 home fire safety visits, exceeding the target of 9,002.
• Targeted home fire safety visits were performing at 99.2% which is well above the Community Risk Management Plan target of 80%.

The report stated that the service continues to engage with partners, such as social services, delivering 'Eyes Wide Open' training to their staff. Engagement has been very positive with the Hospital Discharge Teams with the expectation of referrals of vulnerable residents as they are returned to their homes following a stay in hospital.

The report stated that all affected properties, where applicable, receive Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV). Work continues on enhanced risk targeting and community engagement, supported by initiatives such as smoking cessation packs and winter warming packs for the elderly.

The report noted that crews actively use analysis tools to identify high demand areas and conduct high profile activities to conduct target hardening activities and raise awareness. During quarter two, Emergency Response crews have delivered 2,008 deliberate fire reduction activities. A holistic review is ongoing regarding deliberate fire reduction activities with activity to be refocused and fully evaluated over the next three to six months.

The Community Safety and Arson Team engage with multi-agency partners through the Multi Agency Problem Solving (MAPS) meetings and the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategic Group to try and tackle this type of behaviour linked to deliberate fires.

Protection indicators that were scheduled to be discussed:

• There had been 87 primary fires in non-domestic premises, which is above the target of 59. There have been 27 incidents in prisons, 19 in Deerbolt, four in HMP Durham and four in HMP Frankland, with all incidents being deliberately set.
• There had been 332 false alarms caused by automatic fire detection equipment, which is 4.9% under the target of 349.
• There had been 1,159 fire safety audits completed, exceeding the target of 1,014. 52.4% of audits were unsatisfactory, demonstrating that the Service is effectively targeting the premises most in need of intervention.

The report stated that conventional vapes are the highest ignition source for cell fires, so positively it is expected the anti-tamper vapes service should be rolled out in quarter three.

Response indicators that were scheduled to be discussed:

• There had been 11,648 total emergency calls received.
• There had been 4,960 total incidents.
• There had been 159 total road traffic collisions.
• There had been 634 total primary fires which is 17.1% over the target of 541.
• Dwelling fires were attended within 8 minutes on 69.2% of occasions, just under the 70% target.
• Non-domestic fires were attended within 9 minutes on 66.7% of occasions, which has decreased slightly from the 68.8% for quarter one. This standard continues to be affected by incidents at Deerbolt prison.
• Road traffic collisions were attended within 10 minutes on 71.4% of occasions which is similar to quarter one which was 71.8%.
• The availability of on call appliances - 1st pump was at 68.7% against its target of 75%.

The report stated that over half (53.0%) of all primary fires are set deliberately and the Service continue to work with partners such as through the multi-agency Arson Suppression Group to identify ways to reduce deliberate fire incidents. Additionally, the Central Team and local Station Managers attend MAPS Meetings, and we use Firestoppers to raise awareness and try and gather intelligence on the perpetrators. Many of these deliberate incidents are linked to crime.

The report noted that 49.8% (316) of primary fires are vehicle fires with the majority (72.2%) being set deliberately. Peterlee station area is still the highest across the Service area for vehicle fires, followed by Darlington and Seaham.

The report stated that each failure for all response standards is individually reviewed, and analysis shows that extended travel distances are the main reasons for failing response times. Divisional Managers continue to work with Watch Managers through the monthly performance reporting process to scrutinise and improve performance.

The report noted that during the quarter, RDS 'true availability' (RDS staff only) was 64.0%. The proactive utilisation of day duty, FDOs and surplus operational personnel including the use of the Targeted Response Vehicle (TRV) and Special Rescue Unit (SRU) has increased availability by an additional 4.7%.

The report stated that the trial is ongoing with a change to booking off times for the dual contract wholetime/ RDS staff and this will be monitored and evaluated through the RDS Liaison Team. Work is also going on within Control analysing the Staffing process with the aim to simplify and improve this.

Health and Safety indicators that were scheduled to be discussed:

• There had been eight accidents to personnel, which is five over the target.
• There had been 14 service contributory vehicle accidents, which is six over the target.

The report stated that investigations have been completed for all cases, with ensuing safety advice and awareness circulated to mitigate future risks. The incidents highlight key areas for ongoing attention, including PPE adherence, safe equipment handling, and situational awareness on uneven terrain.

The report stated that every vehicle accident investigation is considered by the Driving and Vehicle Review Group, to determine any required corrective or preventative actions. Communication on slow speed manoeuvres have shared on screensavers and are highlighted during proactive health and safety watch visits.

The committee was asked to note and comment on the report.

Letters of Appreciation

The committee was scheduled to consider a report providing details of Letters of Appreciation received by the Service for the period 1 July 2025 – 30 September 2025. Seven letters were received in the reporting period.

One letter was from Bih Aikld, thanking the fire service for rescuing a cat.

Another letter was from CDhd touyn yurama, thanking the Darlington Fire & Rescue Service for their response to a fire.

Another letter was from CCtl, thanking the fire service for their response to a fire.

Another letter was from Cttt, thanking the fire service for their response to a fire near Dd Tii Afield Plighillick.

Another letter was from G Dlit, thanking the fire service for their response to an incident on Wdd Stib 10.

Another letter was from G Hih, thanking the fire service for their work at a property.

Another letter was from C G Whtt, thanking the fire service for their response to a fire.

The committee was asked to note the report.

Formal Complaints

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on formal complaints received by the service for the period 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025, and 1 April – 30 June 2025. This discussion was scheduled to be held in Part B, meaning that the meeting would not be open to the public during this item.