What Inspectors Found at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

Inspectors have taken a close look at how Cornwall’s fire service runs day to day. The verdict is a positive one, and it lands after two years of change.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed its latest report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services, published today (June 17). It sets out the progress made across the service in recent years.

A good rating for responding to emergencies

The service has been rated good at responding to fires and other emergencies. Inspectors singled out its innovative risk-sharing system, which helps keep both firefighters and members of the public safe during incidents.

The report also points to continued collaboration with partners across policing, health and housing. And it recognises that the service is prepared for the introduction of new legislation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Two years of work behind the scenes

The report outlines the measures in place to improve and modernise the service, including investment in staffing across prevention and protection.

The inspection itself took place six months ago. The service is already working to address the areas flagged as needing improvement. That work sits under its new Community Risk Management Plan, which went live in April 2026 and gives a clear framework for managing risks across Cornwall’s unique environment.

Where the £3 million goes

Over the current financial year, an additional £3 million from Cornwall Council will be spent on improving and modernising the service. The money will fund training, the ongoing implementation of fire standards, extra resources for home fire prevention and support for businesses following new legislation.

There are also plans to update vehicles, equipment and IT systems, and to improve community fire stations over the next four years.

What the service said

Kathryn Billing, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We welcome this report which reflects the hard work and dedication of the people in our service to make the improvements made.

“However, we recognise that there is still work to do. Our Community Risk Management Plan provides the framework for us to continue to improve driven by our purpose Serving Cornwall: Preventing, Protecting, Responding.”

Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “This is a really encouraging report and reflects the huge amount of work that has been undertaken to improve the service over the last two years.

“We have invested £3million into Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service this year to fund training, and additional resources for our fire prevention and protection teams.

“We will continue to support the service as we focus on areas for improvement and ensure the service is equipped to protect Cornwall both today and in years to come.”