Release date: 23 March 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has today launched its new Community Risk Management Plan, setting out how it will prevent emergencies, protect people and property, and respond effectively across the county for the rest of the decade.
The Community Risk Management Plan 2026 – 2030 (CRMP) aims to respond to the risks identified in the county, including accidental dwelling fires, road traffic collisions, wildfires, and flooding, as well as emerging risks the service could face in the future.
The plan is centred around five strategic priorities. These are:
- Preventing fires and emergencies from happening
- Protecting people, firefighters and property by making buildings as safe from fire as they can be
- Responding to fires and emergencies quickly and effectively
- Having a safe and valued workforce
- Making best use of resources
These priorities, which underpin the whole plan, have been prepared following a community survey carried out in 2024 which asked residents about the risks in their communities and which ones caused them greatest concern. After taking all of this feedback into consideration, the five new proposals were drafted and taken out to public consultation last year, with a large majority of respondents signifying their support for the priorities.
Leader of West Sussex County Council, Councillor Paul Marshall, said: “The launch of this new CRMP coincides with the 80th anniversary of the decision being taken back in 1946 that the fire and rescue service should become part of West Sussex County Council after peace was declared in Europe. Since the transfer two years later in 1948 we have been the proud custodian of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, and very much look forward to this next chapter as the service continues to keep the residents of West Sussex safe.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support and Fire & Rescue, said: “West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. This plan ensures that we continue to deliver a modern, efficient, and inclusive service that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to shaping this plan. Your feedback has helped us create a roadmap that will make West Sussex safer for all.”
Fire and rescue services have a statutory duty to periodically create, review, and update their risk management plans based on national guidelines to explain how they will reduce risk and use resources. This is required by the National Framework produced by the Home Office and is supported by guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Chief Fire Officer, Gary Ball, said: “Our new CRMP sets out how we will continue to protect and serve the people of West Sussex by reducing risk and responding effectively to emergencies.
“The plan is influenced by national guidance, local evidence, and valuable feedback from our communities, staff, and partners. By working together, we can prevent emergencies where possible and reduce their impact when they do happen. This plan demonstrates how we will meet our statutory duties and uphold our Values and Core Code of Ethics to ensure that we are a fire and rescue service that our communities can continue to be proud of.”
You can find out more and read the CRMP here.
