Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed its latest inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services, which outlines the significant progress made across the service in recent years.
The service has been rated good at responding to fires and other emergencies, with inspectors highlighting its innovative risk-sharing system which helps keep both firefighters and members of the public safe during incidents.
The report, published today (June 17), highlights the continued collaboration with partners across policing, health and housing.
It outlines the measures in place to improve and modernise the service, including investment in staffing across prevention and protection.
The inspectors also recognised that the service is prepared for the introduction of new legislation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The service is already working to address areas that were identified as requiring improvement during the inspection, which took place six months ago.
This work is underpinned by its new Community Risk Management Plan which went live in April 2026 and provides a clear framework for addressing and managing risks across Cornwall’s unique environment.
Over the current financial year, an additional £3 million, provided by Cornwall Council, will be spent on improving and modernising the service. The money will fund training, the ongoing implementation of fire standards, additional resources for home fire prevention and support for businesses following new legislation.
Plans are also in place for the service to update its vehicles, equipment and IT systems, and make improvements to community fire stations over the next four years.
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.”
Press release issued on June 17, 2026