North Yorkshire Mayor Publishes First Fire and Rescue Plan

Mayor David Skaith commits to delivering safe places for all as he publishes his first Fire and Rescue Plan.

Mayor David Skaith published his first Fire and Rescue Plan, on Monday, at the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Training Centre in Easingwold.

On his election in May 2024, Mayor Skaith took on the duties of the Policing, Fire and Crime Commissioner and therefore has set a Fire and Rescue Plan for North Yorkshire Fire and rescue Service based on the public’s priorities.

Formed in consultation with the public, the Mayor’s Fire and Rescue Plan for 2025 – 2029 sets out the strategic direction of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, identifying six key priorities over the next four years, these are:

• Targeted Prevention
  Deliver targeted prevention activities to keep people in York and North Yorkshire safe from fires, road traffic collisions, water hazards and other emergencies.
• Protected Built Environment
  Provide targeted support and advice to protect people and properties from fires through safer buildings in York and North Yorkshire.
• Effective Emergency Response
  Provide an effective response to incidents across York and North Yorkshire, as quickly as possible.
• Stronger Communities
  Prepare for major disruptions, working in collaboration with our partners to support communities across York and North Yorkshire to effectively prepare for emergencies and recover from them when they occur.
• Supported, Safe and Skilled Staff
  Foster a culture of excellence and belonging in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Invest in training, safety and welfare to maintain a skilled and resilient Workforce.
• Financial Stability
  Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and be transparent in our spending.

These publicly identified priorities support Mayor Skaith’s commitment to delivering safe places for all, in York and North Yorkshire.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said:

“Keeping York and North Yorkshire safe is my top priority. My first Fire and Rescue Plan sets clear expectations for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service over the next four years to deliver on that vision.

“We need the right people in the right place at the right time to respond effectively to emergencies. With flooding already a major issue in our region and climate change intensifying the risks, this plan ensures our fire service is ready and equipped to meet these growing challenges.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe—at home, at work, and in our communities. This plan delivers on that promise, ensuring York and North Yorkshire remains a safe place for all."

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“I am extremely proud to have joined David and to be part of delivering this Fire and Rescue Plan for York and North Yorkshire. More than 1,600 people, partners, and businesses shared their views with the Mayor and me on what our priorities should be for our fire service.

"The Mayor and I are determined to deliver the changes the public wants to see, and to deliver safe places for everyone in our region. We will achieve this by investing in new equipment to tackle evolving risks like climate-driven flooding, expanding fire prevention programs to protect our most vulnerable residents, and working with partners such as the Environment Agency and road safety groups to enhance community resilience.

"The safety of every person in York and North Yorkshire is our unwavering priority—it is the driving force behind every decision we make and every action we take and it's that commitment at the heart of this Plan."