5 Key Updates Revealing The Future Of Leicestershire Fire And Rescue Service In 2025
The Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is currently navigating a period of significant change and operational intensity, with new developments in infrastructure, a crucial external performance review, and a heightened focus on emerging community risks. As of today, December 18, 2025, the Service is actively implementing an ambitious action plan following its latest inspection, while simultaneously preparing to launch a state-of-the-art Training and Development Centre, cementing its commitment to protecting the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
This deep-dive article provides the most current, essential information on LFRS, detailing the critical operational shifts, strategic priorities for the coming years, and the leadership driving these vital emergency services. Understanding these updates is key to grasping the evolving landscape of fire and rescue in the East Midlands.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) At a Glance: Key Facts & Leadership Profile
The Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is the statutory fire and rescue service for the ceremonial counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, serving a diverse population across a challenging mix of urban and rural environments. Its operational area includes the City of Leicester and the surrounding districts.
- Operational Area: Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
- Governing Body: The Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority (CFA).
- Motto: FOR' ARD - FOR' ARD.
- Chief Fire and Rescue Officer (CFRO): Callum Faint.
- Strategic Plan: Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024–2028.
- Key Focus Areas: Safer Communities, Response, Finance and Resource, People, and Governance.
- Recent External Review: HMICFRS Inspection (2024 cycle).
Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Callum Faint: Mr. Faint is the current CFRO, having previously served as an Area Commander in Cambridgeshire before joining LFRS in 2019. He is instrumental in driving the Service's current strategic direction, including the significant infrastructure projects and the response to the HMICFRS findings. His leadership focuses on modernising the Service and ensuring it is effective, efficient, and well-led, a key pillar of the external inspectorate's assessment.
1. The State-of-the-Art Training and Development Centre
One of the most significant and forward-looking developments for LFRS is the approval and planning for a new, state-of-the-art Training and Development Centre.
This multi-million-pound project is a substantial investment in the future capabilities of the Service's personnel. The new centre, which has been granted planning permission by Harborough District Council, will replace outdated facilities and provide a cutting-edge environment for training firefighters and support staff.
The facility is designed to simulate a wide range of real-world scenarios, ensuring that both new recruits and seasoned firefighters are equipped with the most current operational skills. This focus on advanced training is a direct response to the increasing complexity of incidents, moving beyond traditional fire safety to include specialist rescue and major incident management, such as the recent flooding events. The investment underscores LFRS's commitment to the 'People' and 'Response' strategies outlined in its Community Risk Management Plan.
2. HMICFRS Inspection: A Mixed Picture and 2025/2026 Action Plan
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) conducted its latest inspection of LFRS in 2024, assessing its performance under the 2023–2025 inspection cycle.
The findings presented a mixed picture of performance across the three core pillars: efficiency, effectiveness, and leadership. While the full report details specific strengths and areas for improvement, the Service is already moving to address the recommendations with a comprehensive action plan for the 2025/2026 period.
A key area under review is the approach to Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSC's). These checks are a cornerstone of the Service's 'Safer Communities' strategy, aiming to reduce risk at the source by fitting smoke alarms and offering tailored safety advice. The review of HFSC's suggests LFRS is seeking to enhance the targeting and impact of its preventative work, ensuring resources are directed to the most vulnerable residents in Leicestershire and Rutland. The goal is to improve effectiveness and ensure the Service is 'well-led' and 'effective' in its prevention efforts, aligning with national best practice.
3. Navigating Major Incidents: The 2025 Flooding Declaration
In a significant operational event on January 7, 2025, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service became the first fire and rescue service in the region to declare a major incident specifically in response to widespread flooding.
The declaration was triggered by an overwhelming volume of calls—over 200 received by LFRS Control—related to severe weather conditions. Crews were mobilised across the region to deal with a variety of water-related emergencies, including cars stuck in flood water and the evacuation of residents from affected properties.
This event highlights the evolving nature of the Service's role, where climate-related emergencies like severe flooding are becoming as critical as traditional fire response. The quick decision to declare a major incident demonstrates effective leadership and the Service's ability to coordinate a large-scale, multi-agency response to protect the community. This focus on resilience and all-hazards response is central to the LFRS Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024–2028.
4. Strategic Focus: The Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024–2028
The LFRS strategy is formally encapsulated in its Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2024–2028. This document is the blueprint for how the Service will keep the community safe, outlining five core strategies: Safer Communities, Response, Finance and Resource, People, and Governance.
The CRMP is critical for establishing topical authority and ensuring that the Service's actions are relevant to the specific hazards faced by Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. It addresses risks such as house fires, road traffic collisions, and the increasing threat of flooding and other severe weather events. The 'Safer Communities' strategy, for instance, drives prevention work, including targeted Home Fire Safety Checks and campaigns on issues like Carbon Monoxide awareness and the dangers of Hot Work Fires.
5. Operational Performance and Community Engagement Beyond Emergencies
Beyond the major incidents and strategic planning, LFRS maintains a high level of day-to-day operational performance and community presence. The Service’s performance indicators are regularly monitored by the Combined Fire Authority (CFA) to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Recent news also showcases the Service's commitment to community engagement and public relations. For example, a takeaway fire recently caused a major road closure in Leicester, demonstrating the routine, high-impact incidents that crews handle daily. Separately, the Service even gained national attention when its beloved "Rudolph the reindeer" prop was given a new lease of life on the BBC's 'The Repair Shop' as part of a Christmas Special, highlighting the lighter side of their community outreach.
The LFRS also actively supports local businesses and residents with advice, including free Home Fire Safety Checks to mitigate risk. This comprehensive approach—combining cutting-edge training, rigorous external review, a focus on climate-related incidents, and strong community ties—positions the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service as a dynamic and responsive organisation dedicated to its motto: FOR' ARD - FOR' ARD.
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