Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, received an update on the performance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) at his CFRS Public Accountability Conference (PAC) on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, CFRS has seen an increase in fires across Cumbria by 22.3%, rising from 1,113 to 1,361. The increase was driven by dry weather early in the year and increased wildfires.
Commercial fires have increased by 26.2% in the same comparison period – an extra 33 fires. Analysis by the Service has determined that several spikes in the data have been driven by anti-social behaviour. The Service is working in partnership with Police and Local Authorities to deliver targeted interventions in these areas, which has already led to a reduction. Of all call outs to commercial properties, 6.4% were false alarms.
Although overall fires have increased in the county, the service saw a decrease of 3.8% in accidental primary dwelling fires (home fires) falling from 210 to 202 fires. In the same period, water rescues have reduced by 2.9% (35 rescues down to 34) and non-fire related incidents, have decreased by 1% (1,732 incidents up to 1,718).
The service is well within its target of responding to incidents within 10 minutes for the service as a whole and 15 minutes for on-call with the averages sitting at 9 minutes and 57 seconds, and 13 minutes and 20 seconds respectively.
The Prevention team and Operational crews completed 7,317 Home Fire Safety Visits between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. These visits provide key safety messages to residents in their home to assist in making them as safe as possible in relation to fires. Delivering Home Fire Safety Visits to the county’s most vulnerable is a priority, with 69% of visits being delivered to either elderly or disabled residents, and the remainder to individuals who have characteristics that make them vulnerable to fire.
The Commissioner also received an update on Phase two of the Grenfell Inquiry National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Audit Report. Of the 12 recommendations made in the Phase two report, five were for all fire and rescue services: Equipment and resources; guidance and learning; partnership agreements; risk information; and organisational learning.
Work is currently in progress to ensure operational training is in line with National Operational Guidance, gaps are identified and resolved and that training is informed by risk, guidance and operational learning. In relation to partnership agreements, CFRS are working with United Utilities to ensure that the Service has access to water when attending emergencies and identify any risks. CFRS’s organisational learning is in line with the five principles outlined in the NFCC’s Organisational Learning Good Practice Guidance. However, these will be monitored to ensure improvement opportunities are recognised and implemented.
Commissioner, David Allen, said: “As Commissioner, a key part of my role is to hold the Chief Fire Officer to account on the delivery of the service to the public. One way I do this is through my Public Accountability Conference to be as transparent as possible.
“Of course, it’s always a concern to see fires increase in the county – we saw a very warm, dry period last year, so this is a big contribution to this. The weather this year, so far, has been wetter that last year so we are less at risk but this does not mean that there is no risk. Anyone coming to Cumbria to camp or explore, please remember that setting fires in wild or hard-to-reach areas is incredibly dangerous and unnecessary. Wildfires spread at an incredible rate, and a small campfire can destroy large areas. Please be sensible.
“Accidental primary dwelling fires have decreased which is a positive. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to continuously push out safety measures on how to protect our homes from fire and I’m pleased to see that residents are taking this advice on board.
“Prevention is the key to safety which is why it’s great to see the Service continue to deliver Home Fire Safety Visits. These are provided to our most vulnerable residents to ensure they are as safe as possible, which is what we all want to see. If you know someone that is vulnerable and may benefit from a visit, contact the Service on hart@cumbriafire.gov.uk.
“I was pleased to receive an update on Phase Two of the Grenfell Inquiry and the progress being made. Although Cumbria has a very different landscape to London, it’s important that we adopt any learning and improvements possible. The Grenfell Fire was a tragedy and the impact was felt all across the UK, it’s vital that we do everything within our power to reduce the risk of this ever happening again.
“I look forward to continuing to hold the Service to account. If you would like to attend a PAC or would like to raise any concerns you may have around Fire and Rescue services, please contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or on 01768 217734.”
Ben Ryder, Temporary Chief Fire Officer of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “I’m proud of the work our teams across the service do every day to build trust in our communities and give them the confidence that we are making Cumbria a safer place for all.
“The overall rise in the number of fires during this period is a concern, but analysis of the data shows this was primarily caused by a spate of wildfires during a period of hot, dry weather. The service recognises that extreme weather events will become more prevalent and works closely with partners through the Local Resilience Forum to prepare for these eventualities. We have invested heavily in specialist equipment and training to ensure we respond safely and effectively, and we are working continuously to educate our communities about how to prevent these fires and protect our beautiful landscape.
“That both wholetime and on-call staff have hit their response time targets is an impressive feat, especially with Cumbria’s unique and often challenging geography.
“I’m really pleased to see the number of accidental home fires and water rescue incidents fall, as it suggests the extensive home fire safety visits and community engagement activity carried out by our Prevention team and operational crews is being targeted at the right people and places.
“Our Fire Protection team is delivering a proactive business engagement campaign across the county which, combined with our risk-based inspection programme, should address the rise in commercial fires and ensure high safety standards are maintained in our business community. The service also has a range of targeted youth prevention programmes – delivered in many cases with community partners – to try to identify risks of anti-social behaviour, build resilience in our young people and steer them onto a positive path.”
Anyone interested in reading the PAC papers can find them on the Cumbria PFCC website.