Inspectors endorse WMFS performance as MP visits Solihull crew
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has been praised for its emergency response and staff culture in a new inspection report released last month by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The report, published in June, follows an inspection that took place between October 2024 and January 2025.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Lee Freeman, said he was “pleased with the performance of West Midlands Fire Service and the positive and constructive way in which staff worked with us”.
Strong grades and frontline delivery
WMFS was graded as ‘Good’ in several categories under HMICFRS’s new inspection framework, with inspectors highlighting the service’s consistent ability to meet its five-minute response standard and its strong coordination with other agencies during major incidents.
The report also commended WMFS for its supportive internal culture and commitment to public safety.
MP visits Solihull Fire Station
On Friday, 7 July, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West & Shirley, visited Solihull Fire Station to meet with local firefighters and WMFS leadership.
The visit included demonstrations of the emergency kit, discussions on trauma care training, and a formal roundtable on the service’s Governance Improvement Plan.
Praise for public service
Dr Shastri-Hurst, thanking firefighters for their professionalism and bravery, said: “It was an honour to meet with our local firefighters and to extend my personal thanks for their courage and dedication.
“These men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect others – it is only right that their efforts are recognised and supported.”Focus on governance reforms
The Governance Improvement Plan was introduced following the identification of governance failings in 2024.
