FIREFIGHTERS across the county have received high praise for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service received a commendation from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) after assessing its response to coronavirus.

The inspection assessed how effective and efficient the fire service prevents and protects the public against fires.

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It also looks at how well the service looks after its staff.

Her Majesty’s Inspector, Matt Parr, said: “The service responded well during the pandemic and provided additional support to its community.

“It used its whole time and on-call firefighters to respond to emergencies, and the increased availability allowed the service to support its partners, especially the local ambulance trust. This meant the people of Oxfordshire were well supported through the pandemic.”

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire’s Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer, said: “Our service puts the safety of Oxfordshire residents at the heart of everything we do.

“Our teams work around the clock, not only during a global pandemic but every single day of the year to support those in need. When things go wrong and residents require our support, we respond quickly and effectively.”

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When the pandemic first peaked, the service began working with South Central Ambulance service by providing firefighters to drive the ambulances and assist the crews.

These firefighters were all volunteers from within the service.

Mr MacDougall added: “Our officers and support teams also used their command and project management skills to support the wider Oxfordshire response to the pandemic and were at the heart of many initiatives that supported our communities.

“The recognition from HMICFRS, following our response to the pandemic, is welcomed. I would like to thank everyone who contributes and works hard as a member of our service to protect our communities every day.”

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Yvonne Rees, chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, said: “The message to our communities in Oxfordshire is that we have one of the best fire and rescue services in England here in our county upon which residents can rely every day to protect, prevent and respond in times of need.”

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council and cabinet member for Fire and Rescue, said: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is a key partner amongst our regional emergency services. I am proud to see that the hard work of our staff, particularly to all those who supported our ambulance service has been recognised in this inspection.

“Inspections are an important way to get objective feedback on how a service has responded and continues to respond to the pandemic. We are grateful to HMICFRS for its time and commitment throughout this inspection.”