Stark warning issued about capacity of Jersey Fire & Rescue

A review has found that Jersey Fire & Rescue needs 'considerable' work to meet national standards and there are a 'large number of extreme risks' with current operating levels.

Controller and Auditor General Lynn Pamment believes that without a clear plan and performance targets, 'the States continue to demonstrate a high level of tolerance of significant risks'.

Ms Pamment also found that there are many 'extreme risks' involved in operating at current levels.

Despite risks being highlighted in 2021, the Fire Service's budget was only boosted in 2023 - to grow the workforce and move towards meeting National Operational Guidance.

NOG is the recognised standard for UK Fire and Rescue services.  Ms Pamment says there is is still 'a considerable amount' of work required for SJFRS to comply with NOG.

The C&AG's audit also uncovered a £35,000 overspend for 2025, with savings from unfilled posts used to meet other costs, leaving identified service risks unaddressed.

Ms Pamment said:

“Since 2022 SJFRS has been strengthening its operations, from a weak foundation.

"While additional resources have allowed the recruitment of more full time firefighters, including senior officers, much remains to be done to enable a more effective service response and to eliminate occasions where there has been no available capacity.

“SJFRS needs to develop and implement a clear strategic plan incorporating all known risks and setting out key objectives, risk mitigations and measurable performance improvement targets.

"Until such a plan is in place and has been implemented the States continue to demonstrate a high level of tolerance of significant risks.”

In response to the audit's findings, Jersey's Home Affairs Minister Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said additional funding has been approved in the 2026-2029 budget.

"There has been recent investment in the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, and the Service is working through a programme of improvement.

"It is acknowledged that there is more to do.

"I would reassure islanders that the service is always there to help them in an emergency.

"I thank everyone who is part of the service for all their continued commitment."

She added that some of the recommendations made by the C&AG are already underway and her department will issue a formal response to the audit's findings in the coming weeks.