THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE S ROLE IN RESPONDING TO FLOODING DAVE RUSSEL ASSISTANT CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE S ROLE IN RESPONDING TO FLOODING DAVE RUSSEL ASSISTANT CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

RESPONDING TO FLOODING NATIONAL CONTEXT Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004: Power to respond to floods however, there is no statutory duty to do so. The Pitt Review: Lessons learned from the 2007 floods CFOA continues to call for clarity regarding Flood Response. Through DEFRA FRSNCC acts as the repository for asset registration and mobilisation of emergency responders to inland flooding incidents. National Coordination and Advisory Framework (NCAF).

RESPONDING TO FLOODING NATIONAL CONTEXT FRS become the de facto lead agency for coordination of rescue operations during the emergency response phase. FRS s - strong track record. Developed assets and capabilities alongside highly trained staff, at both a local and national level. DEFRA Flood Rescue Concept of Operations.

RESPONDING TO FLOODING NATIONAL RESILIENCE CAPABILITIES Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) CBRN(E) Mass Decontamination (MD) and Detection, Identification & Monitoring (DIM) High Volume Pump (HVP) 46 HVPs 7,000 litres/min Command & Control (C&C) 9 Enhanced Logistics Support (ELS) Teams Flood Response 90 Type B + 31 Type C Boat Rescue Teams

LANCASHIRE FLOODS - DECEMBER 2015 https://vimeo.com/169516848

LANCASHIRE FLOODS - DECEMBER 2015 December proved to be an extraordinary month some of the most widespread and severe flooding witnessed in the UK. Slow-moving, low pressure systems resulted in prolonged heavy rainfall. Saturated soils also led to exacerbated fluvial flooding. Major disruption encountered across the County - including transport, utilities, business / commerce, housing etc. There were three major named storms : - Desmond 5 th December - Eva 26 th December - Frank 30 th December

STORM DESMOND 5 th DECEMBER Yellow weather warning. Extensive urban fluvial flooding and power outages in Lancaster District and St Michaels. Flash floods across North Lancashire.

STORM DESMOND 5 th DECEMBER Over 600 calls to North West Fire Control (NWFC). 48 people rescued by LFRS. Over 163 properties flooded. 60,000 homes in North Lancashire without power. Lancaster Fire Station evacuated 3 others without power. 4 fire engines damaged from flood water. Largest recall of officers to duty in 10 years. St. Michaels 2 breaches flood defences and +5000 sand bags.

STORM DESMOND 5 th DECEMBER Setting strategic priorities crucial keep it simple: 1) Save Life 2) Protect Critical National Infrastructure Over 85% of fire engines engaged. 6 Swift Water Rescue Teams / 2 Boat Teams / HVP deployed. While still attending fires, chemical incidents and road traffic collisions throughout.

STORM DESMOND 5 th DECEMBER Command and Control resource intensive. Multi-Agency Command Structure established JESIP principles applied. Officers co-located with partners: - Sector Commands: (Bronze) - TCG: Tactical Co-ordinating Group (Silver) - SCG: Strategic Co-ordinating Group (Gold) Officer located within North West Fire Control. In-Service Command Support Room established.

STORM DESMOND 5 th DECEMBER Extended Emergency Phase due to breach of flood defences at St Michaels.

STORM EVA 26 th DECEMBER Yellow weather warning. Extensive urban fluvial flooding in Whalley, Padiham, Ribchester and Croston. Flash flooding across the whole of the County.

STORM EVA 26 th DECEMBER Over 700 calls to North West Fire Control. +120 people rescued by LFRS +500 incidents attended. At times, the Service approached 85% fire engine utilisation. Strategic Holding Area (SHA) established. Request for National resources: +100 FRS staff (6 HVPs, 6 Boats, 7 Tactical Advisors and Enhanced Logistics Support (ELS) Teams. Significant support from volunteer organisations e.g. Mountain Rescue and Bay Search and Rescue.

STORM EVA 26 th DECEMBER Same Multi- Agency Command Structure as Desmond. Strategic Holding Area established at BAE booked in over 140 supporting staff very challenging logistics.

STORM EVA 26 th DECEMBER Extended Emergency Phase due to failure of flood defences at Croston.

STORM FRANK 30 th DECEMBER Learnt a great deal from the previous two storms operational preparedness better as a result. Extensive planning due to saturated catchments. Strategic Holding Area at Penrith national assets strategically moved to the North of England. Thankfully - Storm Frank passed through with only minor impacts. Worth noting - Storm Frank had the same yellow warnings initially given prior to Storm Desmond and Eva.

SUMMARY Most intensive period of activity the Service has seen in 10 years. Amazing response from operational and support staff. Lancashire LRF tested to the full partnership work across CAT 1 and CAT 2 responders was excellent. Role and support provided by FRSNCC was invaluable. Rigorous multi-agency debrief process lessons learnt captured at a County, Regional and National level.

SUMMARY A Lancashire Floods 2015 Action Plan has been developed, framed around four thematic areas: 1. Communication & Mobilising 2. Technology & Equipment 3. Resources 4. Welfare Finally and by no means least the communities of Lancashire showed their true spirit!

Thank You