David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has today welcomed the latest inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The inspection of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service took place between December 2024 and January 2025. The report provides an assessment of the Service’s effectiveness, efficiency, and how well it looks after its people.
The report highlights significant progress in addressing previous concerns. Out of eleven areas, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) was graded as ‘Good’ in six and ‘Adequate’ in five, with no areas assessed as ‘Requiring Improvement’.
Mayor Skaith praised the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson and the dedication of his senior team, staff, and firefighters:
“These results are a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of our fire and rescue personnel. Over the past few years, the Service has taken bold steps to improve how it serves and protects our communities.
“I am very proud of the progress made in such a short space of time. But we must go further. We will continue to work with, and hold to account North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as they continue to make the improvements I, and the public expect them to make. I am confident the Service, and their leadership will continue to build on this momentum.”
The Mayor also acknowledged the work of Jo Coles, his Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, in regularly seeking assurances about the Service’s performance and implementation of the action plan from the previous inspection.
Jo Coles said, “HMICFRS reports provide an independent and rigorous assessment that complements local scrutiny of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.”
“This report clearly shows that the communities of York and North Yorkshire are safer and more resilient as a result of the significant improvements made by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in recent years. However, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to support, and hold the Fire Service to account, as they continue to make improvements.”
“I’ll be talking more about this report in my next online public meeting with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service tomorrow (19 June), and I’d encourage people to join us.”