Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue surpasses home safety visits target

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has exceeded its home fire safety visit (HFSV) target for the 2024/25 reporting period, successfully completing a total of 6,637 visits—137 more than its annual goal.

The figure represents a 2.10% uplift on the target and reflects the Service’s ongoing efforts to promote fire prevention and community safety across the county.

The average risk score recorded across all visits was 19, suggesting a strong impact on reducing potential fire hazards in homes.

The HFSV programme was delivered through a combined effort from both the response crews and the dedicated prevention team:

Response crews carried out 4,564 visits, surpassing their target of 4,500 by 64 visits, representing a 1.4% increase. Their average risk score per visit was 18.

The prevention team completed 2,072 visits, exceeding their 2,000-visit target by 72, which marks a 3.6% increase.

These visits recorded a slightly higher average risk score of 22, likely reflecting a focus on more vulnerable or higher-risk individuals.

Group Manager Steve Sugars, Head of Prevention at BFRS, expressed his appreciation for the work of staff across the Service.

He said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in achieving our service target for home fire safety visits. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of our teams in ensuring the safety of our community."

The Service also noted its continued prioritisation of vulnerable populations.

Of the total visits conducted, 74.62% were made to individuals aged 65 and over or those living with disabilities—groups statistically at greater risk from fire incidents.

BFRS hailed the achievement as evidence of its commitment to safeguarding the public through proactive outreach

With this success, the Service aims to continue enhancing its community engagement and prevention initiatives in the months ahead.