South Wales Fire and Rescue Service publishes new prevention strategies framework
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Strategies outline prevention protection and response priorities
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has published new prevention, protection and response strategies outlining how it plans to reduce risk and support safer communities across South Wales.
The Service confirmed the strategies formalise existing operational work and link daily activity with outcomes aimed at protecting life, property and the environment.
Head of Operations Mike Wyatt explained: “One of the key areas highlighted by the HMICFRS inspection was the need to formalise the work we undertake in our communities across prevention, protection and response.
“These strategies bring together the activity delivered by our teams and help connect the work we do every day with the impact it has on saving lives.”
The framework sets out how SWFRS will work with partners to reduce the likelihood of fires and emergencies, strengthen public protection through education, regulation and enforcement, and improve its understanding of risks affecting communities, businesses and individuals.
The strategies also include commitments to reduce smoke, chemicals and carbon emissions, support sustainable building development and contribute to community resilience.
Five themes support implementation, including workforce support, environmental responsibility, collaboration with partners, innovation and continuous improvement.
Operational plans set prevention protection and response actions
The prevention strategy focuses on person-centred interventions such as home fire safety visits for vulnerable people, education programmes for young people and public safety information covering fire, road and water risks.
Partnership working remains central to prevention efforts, with a focus on inclusive delivery and shared responsibility across agencies.
The protection strategy outlines risk-based inspections, targeted engagement with high-risk premises, compliance support through Primary Authority Schemes and measures to reduce unwanted fire signals.
Fire investigation and intelligence sharing support efforts to improve safety standards and identify emerging risks.
The response strategy sets out how SWFRS will maintain operational readiness, meet statutory duties and address risks linked to climate change, urbanisation, industrial activity, public safety and workforce pressures.
Commitments include maintaining staffing levels, improving on-call availability, strengthening collaboration and embedding the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Code of Ethics within operational practice.
The Service stated the strategies align operational activity with identified risks and inspection findings to support safer outcomes across South Wales.