Agenda item

The report provided Members with information relating to operational incidents of note over the period 1 June 2024 – 31 August 2024. As the operational period had been very busy, the report detailed only the larger deployments or more complex incidents. As a result, some incidents that Members had been made aware of locally, may not have formed part of the report. Full details of the following incidents were provided in the report:

• Commercial building fire in Blackpool (7/6/2024)
• Explosives incident in Preston (18/6/2024)
• Domestic fire in Morecambe (26/6/2024)
• Major entrapment in Burnley (3/7/2024)
• Water rescue in Preesall (3/7/2024)
• Person rescued from a car in water in Thornton Cleveleys (13/7/2024)
• Domestic fire in Blackpool (17/7/2024)
• Waste fire in Preston (28/7/2024)
• Commercial building fire in Salmesbury (31/7/2024)
• Commercial building fire in Burnley (31/7/2024)

Resolved: That the Authority noted and endorsed the report.

County Councillor John Shedwick remarked that there were a wide range of serious incidents included within the report which required a large response.

In response to a question from County Councillor Ron Woolam in relation to the explosive incident in Preston, the ACFO explained that it is not uncommon for previous World War 2 hand grenades to be uncovered and as such the services response was well rehearsed.

County Councillor Frank De Molfetta congratulated the service on its ability to respond to a diverse range of incidents and assist partner agencies.

County Councillor Matthew Salter remarked that there were a number of serious incidents and incidents within his home division. He expressed his thanks to all officers involved.

Group Managers (GMs) Chris West and Kirsty McCreesh gave a presentation to members on the building fire at Warbeck House, Blackpool.

GM’s West and McCreesh explained that Warbreck House was a former Department for Working Pensions building that had been vacant for some time. Access had become easier for local residents and security put in place by the site owners was insufficient and only covered 8am to 4pm, this led to increased Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB). The initial call was received at 23:32 hrs on 7 June 2024 and there was initial attendance of 4 pumps, a Hose Layer and a Water Bowser which was increased to 10 pumps, 2 Ariel Ladder Platforms (ALP’s), a Hose Layer, a High Volume Pump (HVP), Command Unit, Command Support Unit, 2 Stingers and a Water Bowser.

The priorities were establishing if any persons were present, establishing adequate water supplies, extinguishing the fire and preventing fire spread, identifying any hazards to maintain firefighter safety, protecting the environment and considering the requirement for fire investigation.

There was a multiagency response from Lancashire Constabulary, North West Ambulance Service, Blackpool Council, Cadent Gas, Electricity North West and United Utilities. Members were shown pictures and a video which showed the extent of the fire.

GM West explained that this was a protracted incident with LFRS working alongside partners for 10 days to determine the involvement of persons, continue to monitor for hot spots to prevent reignition and complete the fire investigation. LFRS continued to work with Blackpool Council to prevent further incidents.

In response to a question from Councillor Jane Hugo in relation to the site owners, GM West confirmed that there was ongoing communication with Blackpool Council in relation to the responsibilities of the site owners. The site owners had increased security provisions to 24 hours and installed mobile CCTV. United Utilities had also reopened the hydrant main.

In response to a question from County Councillor John Singleton in relation to the confirmation that all persons were accounted for, GM West stated that the service took a robust multiagency approach and considered intelligence and missing person reports whilst utilising a number of resources including fire investigation teams and fire dogs.

The CFO took the opportunity to commend GM McCreesh on her command leadership of the incident.

The Chair thanked GMs Chris West and Kirsty McCreesh and the officers involved.