DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have been praised for their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as doing their normal job, the fire service have been driving ambulances, fitting masks and other personal protecting equipment for the NHS and care home staff, delivering essential items to vulnerable people and supporting the vaccination programme.

The praise was received in a report published today (January 22) by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The report also found the service's plans and use of data was innovative, which allowed it to respond well to the pandemic and focus activities to areas of greater need.

“I’m really pleased that the report is positive about the way we responded to the pandemic," said chief fire officer Lee Howell.

"It’s been a challenging year for everyone, especially our staff, and I couldn’t be more proud of the way we’ve worked to support each other, our communities and our partners throughout the pandemic.

“As well as dealing with incidents, we’ve helped our communities by driving ambulances, delivering essential items to vulnerable people and are now extending that work to support the vaccination programme. We remain committed to helping in any way we can.

“It’s been equally important to look after each other within the service, keeping our staff as safe and healthy as possible to maintain our services to the public.”

The service also introduced home safety visits by telephone to provide advice to the most vulnerable and also pay-protected on-call firefighters who were furloughed from their main employment.

The inspectorate recommended the service makes sure the good practice and innovation shown during the pandemic is continued into the future.