Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has been named UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year at this year’s iESE Awards, London.

Judged by industry experts, the public sector awards recognised TWFRS for innovation, transformation and an unwavering commitment to public safety within our community.

As the UK’s fastest-responding service to dwelling fires, averaging 5 minutes and 58 seconds, TWFRS exemplifies operational excellence.

In 2024, TWFRS reached significant milestones, reinforcing its commitment to safety, innovation, and community engagement:

• 71% of Safe and Well checks focused on high-risk individuals, ensuring targeted protection for the most vulnerable.
• More than 12,000 schoolchildren across the region received vital fire prevention education.
• Winner of the Excellence in Contaminants and Decontaminants at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards.

• Over 80 active apprenticeships, fostering the next generation of fire and rescue professionals.
• A strong and concerted approach to prohibition notices served compared to the previous year, demonstrating a stronger stance on fire safety enforcement where necessary as well as working alongside businesses.
• Expanded co-location partnerships across 20 TWFRS sites with Northumbria Police, North East Ambulance Service, and Sunderland City Council, as well as many other organisations enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

TWFRS also led pioneering initiatives, including the Hebburn Community Tri-Station—the UK’s first carbon-neutral tri-station (police, fire and Ambulance under the same roof) —virtual reality fire safety training, and 24/7 specialist rescue teams, setting new standards in emergency response.

These achievements highlight TWFRS’s unwavering dedication to protecting communities through innovation, partnership, and inclusivity.

Chief Fire Officer, Peter Heath, said: “I could not be more proud of the people I have the privileged to work alongside in our Service and the dedication they show every single day. Being named ‘UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year’ is a tremendous honour and a testament to the hard work, compassion, and teamwork that define Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the work we all do to serve our communities.

“Through pioneering strategies, rigorous training programmes, and strong partnerships, TWFRS continues to set new benchmarks in emergency response, sustainability, and workforce development.

“This recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to protecting communities and driving innovative projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. I am both humbled and delighted by this achievement.

“All of this is enabled by the support of our Fire Authority who represent our communities and the investment and believe they place in every single member of staff.”

Chair of the Fire Authority, Phil Tye, said: “Seeing Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service receive such recognition is a truly proud moment for all of us within the Fire Authority.

“These awards reflect the extraordinary teamwork, passion, and dedication of our people—qualities that are at the heart of everything we do.

“We remain committed to setting new standards and making a real, lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”

We ask a lot of our Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of the communities we represent and they never let us or the public down.