Community plan sets operational direction to 2030

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has confirmed the publication of its first Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) covering the years 2025 to 2030.

According to NIFRS, the plan outlines how the service will allocate its resources based on assessed risk across Northern Ireland, aiming to ensure the right people and equipment are in the right place at the right time.

It replaces all previously issued Integrated Risk Management Plans and will inform future decision-making, resource planning and public engagement.

The CRMP was launched on 1 April 2025 following a public consultation.

NIFRS expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the consultation process and stated that stakeholder engagement will continue at key stages over the next five years.

Strategic priorities set out in CRMP

The CRMP defines six strategic outcomes: service improvement, community protection, operational response, people, governance and performance, and asset management.

NIFRS confirmed it will review its emergency response standards, crewing models, and station locations as part of the Service Improvement Programme.

The plan also includes development of a digital strategy and enhancements to mobilisation protocols, training systems, and data sharing.

NIFRS stated that these actions are underpinned by a Strategic Assessment of Risk, which will be updated annually to inform planning.

The service will use this data to identify hazards, understand who and what is most at risk, and plan its operations accordingly.

Focus on prevention and protection

A new Community Protection Strategy will be implemented as part of the CRMP, with three areas of focus: prevention, protection, and resilience.

For prevention, NIFRS will target individuals and households most at risk through fire safety checks, educational outreach, and support for youth initiatives.

For protection, the plan includes inspections of high-risk premises, enforcement of fire safety legislation, and guidance for building owners and duty holders.

In terms of resilience, NIFRS will continue to develop its capacity to respond to large-scale emergencies, including those involving flooding, hazardous materials, and major transport incidents.

The service will collect and regularly update risk-critical information to support incident response and maintain operational readiness.

Planning for new and emerging risks

The CRMP includes analysis of future risks such as the impact of climate change, increased use of electric vehicles, and renewable energy installations.

NIFRS highlighted the need to adapt its operational response model to meet these challenges, including through collaboration with partners and updates to firefighter training.

The plan outlines investment in training infrastructure, including the Learning and Development College in Cookstown, and confirms that training programmes will be aligned with national operational guidance.

The service noted that although it is not a designated Category 1 or 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, it continues to work within the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework and with multi-agency groups at both regional and cross-border levels.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service launches 2025 to 2030 risk management plan: Summary

On 1 April 2025, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) launched its first Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) covering 2025 to 2030.

The plan replaces all previous Integrated Risk Management Plans and sets out how NIFRS will align its resources to meet identified community risks.

The CRMP is based on annual updates to a Strategic Assessment of Risk and defines six strategic outcomes: service improvement, community protection, response, people, governance and performance, and asset management.

NIFRS will review its emergency response standards and crewing models and implement a digital strategy.

A Community Protection Strategy will target fire prevention, legislative compliance, and emergency preparedness.

The CRMP includes analysis of hazards such as climate change and new vehicle technologies.

It also confirms continued collaboration under the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework and investment in training at the Cookstown Learning and Development College.