London Fire Brigade rated "world class" (From This Is Local London)

London Fire Brigade rated "world class"

12:54pm Monday 9th February 2009 in

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London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been rated as a “world-class fire and rescue service” by the Audit Commission, in a report released on February 3.

The brigade was given the top “excellent” rating in the report, an improvement from the “good” rating it received from its last assessment in 2004, and was praised for its financial management and approach to equality and diversity.

Vehicle fires dropped by 76 per cent since the 2004 report, deaths from fire fell 21 per cent and there was a 17 per cent overall reduction in all fires.

Hoax calls also fell by 47 per cent, following the introduction of a new “call challenge” initiative, although the service was still called out to 63,000 false alarms out of 144,000 total incidents.

LFB Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “This Audit Commission report, along with a Government assessment of our operational performance in 2007, which also gave us top marks, means that we are now the best performing brigade in the whole country.

“It’s fitting that the hard work and dedication of all LFB staff has been recognised.

“From a huge reduction in the number of fires, to innovative projects to protect the environment, London Fire Brigade staff have pulled out all the stops.

“I am extremely proud to be heading up the top fire brigade in the country. This accolade will undoubtedly inspire our staff to continue to work hard to make London a safer city.”