Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as it launches a new four-year plan to keep communities safe.
CDDFRS published its draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) on Wednesday, February 18 which outlines how the service uses its resources to protect the public.
The document covers everything from how the Service prevents fires to how it responds to emergencies, while outlining current risks and how they can be tackled.
The latest CRMP, which spans from 2026-2030, will focus on four core areas:
- Community safety and arson reduction - Reducing the number of deliberate fires by improving how it engages with young people and tackles anti social behaviour.
- Supporting its people - Investing in the health and safety of firefighters and staff with new equipment, processes, and facilities.
- Strengthening collaboration - Strengthening collaborative working with other fire services, emergency services and Local Resilience Forum partners to improve efficiency.
- Emergency response - Improving on call firefighter availability and updating plans for extra support during major incidents.
Over the next 12 weeks, residents and partner organisations will have the chance to share their views on the plan in a consultation survey which is available on the Service website.
The consultation will close at midnight on Wednesday, May 13.
Firefighters will be hosting station open days and car washes during that time to engage with residents and offer them the chance to complete a paper copy of the CRMP.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: “Keeping our communities safe is our number one priority and always will be.
“The CRMP allows us to evaluate and meet the changing risks we face to ensure the safety of the public, our firefighters and our staff.
“This year’s refreshed CRMP focuses reducing arson, strengthening our collaboration work with other emergency services and updating plans for extra support during major incidents.
“Please show your support by taking time to complete our consultation survey.
“Your views on our plan are hugely important to us and will be used to shape the fire service for the next four years.”
Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Paul Sexton, added: “The CRMP helps the Authority to scrutinise how effective the Service is.
“We want to hear as many views as possible, so please spare a few minutes to complete the survey.”
To read the full consultation, visit: Community Risk Management Plan Consultation 2026-2030 | County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
To complete the consultation online, visit: Community Risk Management Plan Consultation 2026-30
Caption: Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Keith Carruthers surrounded by HQ and operational staff.
