Fire service makes 'significant progress' - watchdog

A fresh inspection saw North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service rated "good" in six out of eleven areas

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS) has made "significant progress" in improving since a highly critical report three years ago, a watchdog has said.

The service was rated inadequate in 2022 by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) after it had "deteriorated in most areas" and required urgent improvements.

Following an inspection in December 2024 and January 2025, the fire service was rated "good" in six areas and "adequate" in five areas.

Jonathan Dyson, chief fire officer, welcomed the findings and said the results were a "testament to the hard work, professionalism and dedication" of staff.

The HMICFRS report found NYFRS to be good at understanding fire and other risks, preventing incidents and responding to emergencies.

The inspectorate also said the service had regular reviews to consider its expenditure, helping to ensure "value for money".

'Must go further'

HMICFRS inspector Michelle Skeer said: "We were pleased to see that the service has made significant progress since our 2022 inspection, with improvements being made in most areas.

"I would like to commend the strategic leadership team and all staff across the service for their willingness to change and their continued commitment to improvement."

Mr Dyson said recent investment would enable them to build on their achievements and progress with equipment and training.

"We're already making headway on improvements in the areas where we have received 'adequate' gradings to further ensure we are a high quality and community-focused service," he said.

David Skaith, the county's elected mayor, said: "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 NYFRS, and hold them to account, as they continue to make the improvements I and the public expect them to make."

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