Greater Manchester has the most improved fire service in the country.
The Fire and Rescue service has been rated good overall by the inspectorate.
This follows the 2021 report which rated Greater Manchester as needing to improve.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “We are able to say today we have the most improved fire service in the UK.
“And one of if not the best in the country.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Russell said: “Today represents a really proud day for everyone.
“This report, our third report since 2018, is one of the strongest if not the strongest that has been published so far.”
Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor Kate Green said: “This report is very good news for the fire service and very good news for the people of Greater Manchester.”
The inspection took place in autumn last year, and is based on interviews, focus groups and station visits.
It was the service’s third full inspection since 2018.
The Inspectorate rated the service good in 10 out of the 11 assessed areas – but only adequate in fire survival guidance.
They recommended the service needed a more effective fire survival guidance system, which was paper based at the time.
In response, the digital Atlas Programme was launched, which raises awareness around fire safety and survival.
They believe following this new system, fire survival guidance will be rated good in the next report.
All three paid tribute to the fire union who played an instrumental role in giving honest and correct feedback for them to improve the service.
Mr Burnham said others in Westminster should work closely with unions instead of making them out to be the ‘enemy’.
Results of the inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services into Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service:
- 2018/19 – 3 good, 7 requires improvement, 1 inadequate. 21 areas for improvement
- 2021/22 – 6 good and 5 requires improvement. 16 areas for improvement
- 2023/24 – 10 goods and 1 adequate. 2 areas for improvement
