Actively preventing emergencies reduces the risk to our communities and firefighters, and is more effective than responding to incidents after they happen.
GMFRS has a responsibility to assess fire and rescue related risks in the city-region and develop effective Prevention and Protection activities to help keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.
By engaging and working in collaboration with our residents, businesses and partners, we can more effectively keep our communities safe, particularly those most at risk. Our programmes of work include education, campaigns, and interventions such as home fire safety assessments. We also work to ensure that individuals and organisations responsible for protecting the public from fire are effectively fulfilling their duties.
The Grenfell Tower fire and other incidents have demonstrated the high levels of risk within the built environment resulting from substandard construction. It is vital that our residents are safe, and feel safe, in their homes.
As well as the danger to life and the risk of injury, fires can be economically devastating for businesses. GMFRS has a significant role in enabling the region’s growth by providing businesses with support and advice to make them more resilient to fires.
As part of Greater Manchester’s approach to a “one public service” model, GMFRS is committed to supporting wider city-region priorities including Live Well, which continues to develop, youth engagement, and the improvement of housing standards, as part of Housing First. The new Housing First Unit will increase housing supply and help prevent homelessness. It will also drive up housing standards through the UK’s first Good Landlord Charter, and the new right for residents to request a Property Check, followed up by enforcement action where necessary.
GMFRS is also committed to reducing deaths on our roads and in our waterways. The Service plays a leading role in the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership and is a key part of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester (SRGM) Partnership. SRGM has created the Vision Zero Strategy, supporting safe and accessible journeys on Greater Manchester’s roads and across the Bee Network.
Working to improve the health, prospects, and living conditions of the people of Greater Manchester will help make our communities more resilient to the risks we face.