Agenda item

Mr Richard Claydon, Borough Commander of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in Hillingdon, advised that he had worked for the LFB for 30 years, during which time he had been Commander in three boroughs.  Mr Claydon had been in post at Hillingdon for three months and noted that, from an LFB perspective, the Borough was very safe, ranking in the mid twenties of the 33 London boroughs. 

Members were advised that there had been a 50% reduction in the number of incidents in Hillingdon and that the Borough received approximately 3,000 calls.  There were four fire stations in Hillingdon, one aerial platform and five fire engines. 

Mr Claydon advised that, in the last six months, there had been:

·         60 dwelling fires, with eight fire injuries that required hospital treatment (there had been 156 dwelling fires with 25 fire injuries in the last 12 months); and

·         117 arsons.  Of the 223 arsons in the last 12 months, 30 had been set on the RAF Uxbridge site during the schools holidays.  The LFB had worked closely with the site security team, the RAF police and the Metropolitan Police Service to address the issue.  Although there had been no prosecutions, there had been no further arsons on the site. 

With regard to outdoor rubbish fires, Members noted that LFB had been working with Mr Shaylor and his team.  Fire crews checked hotspots on a daily basis and reported the presence of rubbish to the Council so that it could be cleared. 

Members were advised that the Safe Drive Stay Alive programme was led and funded by TfL in London and was aimed at young people in sixth form.  The programme would be held in November 2015 and would include a number of VIP days which Members were invited to attend. 

Mr Claydon noted that, with regard to hoax calls, the LFB had schools led teams that concentrated on high risk areas - there were few high risk areas in Hillingdon.  Although the 36 first schools in Hillingdon were deemed low risk, a new engagement initiative had been introduced to talk to these young people about fire safety as well as the implications of making hoax calls. 

The LFB had completed 2,614 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) in the last rolling 12 month period (against a target of 2,400) with 86% of these being undertaken with vulnerable people (against a target of at least 80%).  Further plans were being developed to increase this number even further.  It was noted that HFSV were available to anyone.  As well as being able to fit smoke alarms and talk to the householders about what they would do in case of a fire, these visits also enabled the LFB to identify vulnerable individuals and refer them to partner agencies. 

Mr Claydon stated that those at biggest risk of fatal fires were vulnerable people that were unknown to the LFB.  As such, effort was made to ensure that front line staff (e.g., carers) made the authorities aware of any vulnerable people so that this information could be shared appropriately.  Once the LFB was aware of a vulnerable person, they were able to undertake a risk assessment and fit smoke detectors within 48 hours.  Members were advised that the LFB could also offer free fire resistant bedding to vulnerable individuals when appropriate. 

The Committee was advised that Mr Claydon chaired the Vulnerable Persons Panel (VPP) where the agencies reviewed cases where it was harder to engage with an individual.  The Panel reviewed approximately 4-6 cases each month and there were currently 3-4 outstanding cases.  Since chairing the VPP, Mr Claydon had introduced an immediate referral scheme. 

The annual Junior Citizen's Programme (JCP) would next be held in March 2016 and was aimed, through schools, at 10-11 year olds (Year 6 pupils).  The JCP, which was funded by the Council, involved partner agencies and enabled the LFB to talk to these young people about fire safety and prevention.  Mr Claydon advised that Hillingdon's JCP was seen as the best in London and only cost the Council £8k. 

As this was an annual event, it was anticipated that the majority of children in the Borough would pass through the scheme.  However, it was noted that, despite sending an annual invitation, two schools continually refused to take part in the Programme.  It was suggested that consideration be given to lobbying the Parent and Teachers Associations and the Boards of Governors at these schools to encourage them to take part. 

In addition to the JCP, the LFB visited secondary schools to talk about fire safety.  Other engagement initiatives being considered included a summer school and cadets (the latter would be a one year programme, cost in the region of £23k to set up and successful completion would result in the award of an NVQ).  Consideration was also being given to the introduction of  the LIFE Scheme which would involve up to 15 low level offenders that had dropped out of main stream schooling participating in a week long fire fighter's course.  Although the LIFE Scheme would cost approximately £23k to run, the LFB match funded any contributions. 

RESOLVED:  That the report and presentation be noted.