National inspectors praise Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) has once again set the national benchmark for excellence, achieving an unprecedented outcome in the latest inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The Service has been awarded six ‘Outstanding’ and five ‘Good’ ratings across all the 11 inspection areas. This remarkable achievement includes being the only service in the country to receive a minimum rating of ‘Good’ across every category.

The inspection praised the Service for its excellent performance at keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks. In particularly, the report highlights the risk-based intervention programme, the Service’s innovative use of technology, and strong culture of continuous improvement. The Service’s commitment to inclusivity, staff wellbeing, and community engagement were also highlighted as sector leading.

Key highlights from the 2025 HMICFRS report showed LFRS to be:

Outstanding in:

• Understanding fires and other risks

• Protecting the public through fire regulation

• Responding to major and multi-agency incidents

• Making best use of resources

• Promoting the right values and culture

• Getting the right people with the right skills

Good in:

• Preventing fires and other risks

• Responding to fires and other emergencies

• Future affordability

• Ensuring fairness and promoting diversity

• Managing performance and developing leaders

Chief Fire Officer, Jon Charters commented: “This is a proud moment for everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. These results are a testament to the dedication and innovation of our staff across all roles.

“The inspection highlights that when we plan well, act on risk and support each other, we keep people safer. We’re proud of the progress we are making, and we’ll use the feedback to go further—continuing to learn, adapt and deliver the best possible service when people need us most.

“This recognition reinforces the Service position as a trusted, forward-thinking organisation that makes Lancashire safer.”