Thank you for your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
We can confirm that Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) does hold the information you have requested.
Questions and final response: We are conducting research on the use of emergency securing services (such as boarding up and securing buildings) for the UK’s fire departments. As part of this research, we would like to find out the following information about your fire department’s practices and data in this area. Specifically, we are looking to cover the following:
Question 1 – Scenarios and Usage:In what scenarios do you use emergency securing services (i.e. when would you use forceable entries that require emergency securing services)?
ECFRS use boarding up services when the breach in security has been created by Fire Service operations and no Responsible Person (for example the owner, occupier or key- holder) is available or able to make appropriate security arrangements (including subsequent payment) in order to secure the premises.
Question 2 – Are there standard guidelines or policies governing when these services are engaged?
ECFRS use boarding up services when the breach in security has been created by Fire Service operations and no Responsible Person (for example the owner, occupier or key- holder) is available or able to make appropriate security arrangements (including subsequent payment) in order to secure the premises
Question 3 – Frequency:-How many cases require emergency securing services annually (ideally from 2010 to 2024). If possible, please provide a breakdown of the cause of forced entry (i.e. executing search warrant, concern for welfare, to prevent property damage, etc.).
Incidents attended by ECFRS where a forced entry was made into a premises - 2010 to 2024
Anonymous Inc. Ref. Incident date Incident Year Type of incident
1 27-Dec-12 2012 forced entry to social store door
2 04-Dec-15 2015 possible wires overheating - forced entry required
3 13-Feb-16 2016 req forced entry
4 19-Feb-16 2016 assist amb with forced entry
5 20-Feb-16 2016 required forced entry - dr in attendance
6 16-Jul-16 2016 assist with forced entry - flooding
We do record incidents where we assisted other agencies such as the police or ambulance service, as well as incidents where we gained entry to a premises. It is possible that some of these incidents did involve emergency securing of premises. The securing of premises would be the responsibility of the primary attending agency.
Question 4 – Service Providers:Who are the main providers or contractors engaged for emergency securing services?
I can confirm that Essex County Fire & Rescue Service does hold this information, however the information is exempt from disclosure to you.
The exemption applicable to the information is :Freedom of Information Act 2000 (legislation.gov.uk) Section 21 of the Act - Information available elsewhere.
The information you have requested is available here : Contracts Awarded
Question 5 – What proportion of emergency securing services does each contractor achieve?
Not applicable.
Question 6 – Expenditure and remuneration: How are these services funded – is there a framework in place (if so, please provide detail)?
As response to question 4.
Question 7 – Which parties are responsible for remunerating the emergency securing service contractor?
As response to question 4.
Question 8 – What is the average cost per securing service?
As response to question 4.
Question 9 – What has been the annual expenditure on emergency securing services for each year from 2010 to 2024? As response to question 4.
We hope you find this information useful.