TIG Post

Tag: Fire & Rescue Services

  • Fire destroys Santasi China Mall

    Fire destroys Santasi China Mall

    The newly opened China City Mall at Santasi, in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, was destroyed by fire on Thursday, October 30.

    The mall, which was inaugurated in May 2025, was left with no items to be recovered. No casualties have been recorded in the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is yet to be made known to the public.


    Earlier this month, a fire incident ravaged Kantamanto at the Tazani Lane section in Accra. Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were razed after a fire broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13.

    The GNFS confirmed in an update on its official page on Sunday, September 14: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”


    The Service added, “Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation, one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, and are reported to be in stable condition.”
    In a related development, several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra were destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31.

    Reports indicated that victims were unable to salvage their belongings while awaiting emergency response. The cause of that fire is yet to be established.


    Earlier this month, another fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama–Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25.

    Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.


    On August 4, a fire ravaged the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre at Cantonments. According to the GNFS, the blaze destroyed the contents of the first floor, though the ground floor and about eight offices, including the East Wing section, were salvaged.


    The first fire engine from the GNFS Headquarters arrived at 01:04 hours to find a fully developed fire spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds. Five additional appliances from Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, and Ministries fire stations, as well as the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters, were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations.

    Although the blaze was brought under control at 03:32 hours, firefighting efforts continued until 06:35 hours to suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties. No injuries were recorded, but the Service has launched an investigation into the cause.


    Another inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures at the Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flats on Sunday, August 3. The blaze consumed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and structures worth several thousand cedis.

    The GNFS reported that while battling the fire, one firefighter sustained a minor leg injury. The Service received the distress call at 12:36 hours, and the first crew from the Madina Fire Station arrived within four minutes. Four additional fire engines from Legon, Abelemkpe, and GNFS Headquarters later joined to contain the blaze.

    Thanks to the swift response, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours. Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
    Last month, a fire broke out at Madina Ritz Junction. Initial reports claimed that a two-month-old baby died in the incident, but the GNFS later clarified otherwise.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost. The Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” the GNFS posted on Facebook.


    The Service explained that the fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers. Firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations responded promptly and contained the blaze.


    In April this year, another fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, destroying more than 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman known as Beauty. The inferno, which started around 11:15 p.m., spread rapidly across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, the victim was trapped and could not escape. Her remains were handed over to the Madina Police.


    Last year, about 50 stalls were reduced to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS, D.O.I. Kofi Forson recounted the challenges they faced, “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious”.


    The GNFS has provided statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025, showing a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year—an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).


    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases. In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.


    The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.


    Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls. It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Several houses at Darkuman Kokompe destroyed by fire

    Several houses at Darkuman Kokompe destroyed by fire

    Several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra have been destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31.

    Reports indicate that the victims were unable to salvage their belongings as they awaited emergency response. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

    Earlier this month, a fire incident destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama-Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25.

    A popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.

    On August 4, a fire incident destroyed the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre located at Cantonments. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire destroyed the contents on the first floor.

    However, the ground floor and about 8 offices, including the East Wing section of the ground floor, were successfully salvaged from the fire’s ruins.

    The first fire engine from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Headquarters arrived on the scene at 0104 hours to a fully developed stage fire, which was spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds.

    Five additional fire appliances from the Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, Ministries Fire Stations, and the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations.

    Although the blaze was brought under control at 0332 hours, rigorous firefighting efforts continued to fully suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties at 0635 hours.

    No injuries were recorded during the fire incident. The Service has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

    An inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

    The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

    Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

    Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. Investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

    Last month, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

    An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It has yet to be reported what caused the fire.

    In April this year, a raging fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, reducing more than 150 structures to ashes and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman.

    The inferno, which began around 11:15 p.m., rapidly spread across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers that served as homes and business outlets. Though firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified.

    One fatality was recorded—a Nigerian woman affectionately known in the area as Beauty. Believed to be in her early twenties, she was trapped in her room and could not escape. Her charred remains were retrieved and handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Last year, about 50 stalls got burnt to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service, D.O.1. Kofi Forson, who engaged the media, recounted the challenges the firefighters faced in quenching the flame.

    “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious,” he said.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has provided statistics on fire outbreaks so far this year. There has been a slight increase in fire cases nationwide in the first half of 2025.

    A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.

    During an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they have been able to save over GHC203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

    Below are the top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service. Electrical faults can result from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits.

    Improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.Unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves.

    Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches.Gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders. Bush and vegetation burning, particularly during the dry season. Vehicle fires are due to poor maintenance and road accidents.

    Unsafe welding and other hot-work practices. Deliberate acts of arson. Meanwhile, GNFS has reported a significant improvement in the fight against prank calls.

    The Service recorded a dramatic 34.77% reduction in prank calls, having recorded about 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024, as against 237,470 in 2025.

    The Service attributed the reduction in prank calls to consistent public education campaigns and increased awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Four shops in Bibiani reduced to ashes

    Four shops in Bibiani reduced to ashes

    Four shops in Nantwikumye, a suburb of Bibiani in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region have been razed by fire.

    The fire incident that occurred on Sunday, August 10, burnt a cosmetics shop, a hairdressing salon, and two dressmaking shops. Other valuables lost to the fire include industrial sewing machines, fabrics, cosmetics, artificial hair, cash, and other goods.

    Speaking to the media, Public Relations Officer of the Bibiani Municipal Fire Service, Richmond Appiah, firefighters reported to the scene immediately after a distress call.

    The victims have been left with nothing to recover; they have therefore appealed to the government to come to their aid.
    Meanwhile, the cause of the fire outbreak has yet to be ascertained, and no casualties have been reported.

    Last week, a fire incident destroyed the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre located at Cantonments.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire destroyed the content found on the first floor. However, the ground floor and about 8 offices, including the East Wing section of the ground floor, were successfully salvaged from the fire’s ruins.

    The first fire engine from the Ghana National Fire Service National Headquarters arrived on the scene at 0104 hours to a fully developed stage fire, which was spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds.

    Five additional fire appliances from the Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, Ministries Fire Stations, and the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations.

    Although the blaze was brought under control at 0332 hours, rigorous firefighting efforts continued to fully suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties at 0635 hours.

    No injuries were recorded during the fire incident. The Service has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

    An inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

    The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

    Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

    Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. Investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

    Last month, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

    An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It is yet to be reported the cause of the fire.

    In April this year, a raging fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, reducing more than 150 structures to ashes and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman. The inferno, which began around 11:15 p.m., rapidly spread across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers that served as homes and business outlets.

    Though firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified. One fatality was recorded—a Nigerian woman affectionately known in the area as Beauty. Believed to be in her early twenties, she was trapped in her room and could not escape. Her charred remains were retrieved and handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Last year, about 50 stalls got burnt to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service, D.O.1. Kofi Forson, who engaged the media, recounted the challenges the firefighters faced in quenching the flame.

    “It was not easy for us and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed and we had to break through and that made it tedious,” he said.


    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has provided statistics on fire outbreaks so far this year. There has been a slight increase in fire cases nationwide in the first half of 2025.


    A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.


    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.


    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).


    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.


    During an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they have been able to save over GHC203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.


    Below are the top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service. Electrical faults can result from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits. Improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.


    Unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches.

    Gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders. Bush and vegetation burning, particularly during the dry season. Vehicle fires are due to poor maintenance and road accidents. Unsafe welding and other hot-work practices. Deliberate acts of arson.


    Meanwhile, GNFS has reported a significant improvement in the fight against prank calls. The Service recorded a dramatic 34.77% reduction in prank calls, having recorded about 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024, as against 237,470 in 2025.


    The Service attributed the reduction in prank calls to consistent public education campaigns and increased awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Toase SHS teachers’ bungalow destroyed by fire

    Toase SHS teachers’ bungalow destroyed by fire

    A fire broke out on Friday, December 20, 2024, destroying a teachers’ bungalow at Toase Senior High School in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

    The blaze started in one flat and quickly spread to three others, leaving the affected teachers with no belongings salvaged. Ernest Opoku Mensah, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the total loss but noted that no injuries were reported.

    The school has since provided temporary housing to accommodate the displaced teachers.

    “We have one bungalow but four flats, with four teachers occupying the flats. The fire started in one of them, then got to the other. The next two flats were able to pick some of their items out before the fire went to their side, but the two flats couldn’t pick anything, because everything got burnt.

    “No casualties were recorded, but all their properties have been burnt down by fire. The school administration has been able to secure an apartment for the affected teachers. We’re now moving them to that place for at least some time to calm the situation down before the net action can be taken.”

  • Fire guts Agbogbloshie market

    Fire guts Agbogbloshie market

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed a fire outbreak at Accra’s Agbogbloshie market.

    Providing updates through GNFS’s Facebook Live platform, ADO1 Alex King Nartey described the fire as “raging” but stated that officers from the Makola and Circle stations successfully contained it.

    Nartey shared footage highlighting “pockets of flames” primarily concentrated around the market’s refuse dump area.

    He emphasized the challenges firefighters faced, noting that the market’s congestion and limited accessibility significantly hindered their response efforts.

    Although the team managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, the lack of functional hydrants in the area made replenishing water supplies difficult.

    He said that GNFS had “managed to contain [the fire] from further spread,” he noted their supply was “difficult to replenish” seeing as “there’s no functional hydrant here”.

    “Accessibility to go and replenish and come back is a problem [too], presenting a very big challenge to the officers here,” he added.

    He confirmed that no casualties had been reported but stated that damage assessments would only be possible after the fire was fully extinguished.

    The fire broke out on Sunday evening, November 24, 2024, with GNFS providing a live update around 11 PM. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

  • England fire services are homosexual, misogynist, and racist – Report

    England fire services are homosexual, misogynist, and racist – Report

    Examples of “very concerning” bullying, discrimination, and harassment in fire and rescue services across England include humiliating new recruits, male personnel acting out the rape of a female colleague, and a senior officer using the N-word for “a laugh.”

    A scathing investigation claims that employees frequently hear racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks that have either gone unanswered or have been written off as “banter.”

    Roy Wilsher, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services, expressed shock and outrage over some of his findings, saying they may only be “the top of the iceberg.”

    Asked whether it is possible there are ‘predators’ in the fire services like those that have been found to exist in police, he said: ‘I could not exclude that possibility.’

    He said a lot of the behaviour was ‘from the dim, distant past’ and draws on the evidence collected through its inspections since 2018.

    Inspectors were told about a senior officer referring to a black colleague using the ‘N-word’ and putting it down to ‘having a laugh’, homophobic abuse found written on a firefighter’s locker and men using women’s toilets and women not feeling confident to challenge this.

    Another example was an incident involving two male firefighters joking with a female firefighter that they were ‘going to rape her’ and the three of them acting out the attack together.

    Report’s main findings

    • Racism, sexism and homophobia experienced across fire and rescue services in England.
    • Evidence of ‘deeply troubling’ bullying, discrimination and harassment across England’s fire and rescue services.
    • His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services Roy Wilsher could not exclude the possibility of predators within services.
    • Colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds who have experienced bullying or harassment are less likely to report it than white members of staff.
    • Perception among staff women are appointed because of their gender, rather than on merit.
    • Staff talked about a ‘toxic’ culture and behaviour on watches were ‘pack-like’ and staff did not challenge inappropriateness towards race.
    • New recruits joined the service with a positive attitude and no apparent disposition to certain behaviours, they soon felt the need to assimilate into the prevailing culture to ‘fit in’.
    • Promotion processes felt ‘corrupt’ in one service, with staff applying for promotions multiple times but never receiving any feedback or support.
    • The mentality of an ‘old boy’s club’ is rife across many fire and rescue services.
    • Many staff could get away with bullying, harassment and discrimination, ‘if they know the right people’.
    • Calls for appropriate background checks on existing and new staff as a bare minimum.

    The report referred to a perception among staff that women are appointed due to their gender, rather than on merit.

    Several said they were told ‘if you menstruate or have a vagina, you’re more likely to get the job’ and ‘you have to be a woman to get on’.

    Inspectors were told about staff not wishing to work in specific areas of the service because of poor behaviours and the humiliation of staff during training sessions if they made mistakes.

    They also heard there were fears speaking out would be ‘career suicide’ and lead them to have a ‘negative mark’ against their name.

    The report said: ‘The public deserves assurance that the FRS staff they come into contact with have been subject to background checks prior to carrying out these roles.

    ‘This is particularly important when considering the link between effective background checks and cultures of misogyny and predatory behaviour seen in policing.

    ‘It is also important in light of the examples of inappropriate behaviour from firefighters towards members of their communities set out in recent allegations.’

    After the report’s publication Mr Wilsher said: ‘Our findings shine a light on deeply troubling bullying and harassment in fire and rescue services across the country – and I fear this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

    ‘Firefighters can be called upon to do an incredibly difficult job. They should be able to trust each other implicitly, just as the public need to be able to trust them.

    ‘Unfortunately, our findings show this is not always the case. Instead, we found trust and respect is too often replaced with derogatory, bullying behaviour, often excused as banter.

    ‘Services told us about misconduct cases over the past 12 months. More than half of these concerned inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying and harassment, associated with a protected characteristic.

    ‘This is shocking enough but I am not confident that this is even the whole picture.’

    He added staff should be able to report allegations without fear of reprisals and the sector needs to ‘get a grip’ on how it handles misconduct matters.

    ‘Despite the fact fire and rescue staff often have contact with the most vulnerable members of society, there is no legal obligation for services to run background checks and we found an inconsistent approach to this across the country,’ he said.

    ‘The majority of fire and rescue staff act with integrity and we are in no doubt of their dedication to the public.

    ‘However, the shocking behaviour we uncovered makes it clear the sector cannot wait another day before it acts.’

    Specific fire services are not named in the report due to many examples of behaviour being reported to inspectors confidentially by staff.