At the start of the meeting, the Chair of the Committee thanked everyone for attending and welcomed any members of the press or public who were observing the proceedings.

The Chair then introduced the meeting and provided all present with an overview of how this remote meeting would work and some housekeeping.

The Chair confirmed that all Members present could hear and be heard; and could see and be seen.

Members are requested to consider the identification of:

a)  declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  any additional items of business which the Chair has determined should be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  items of business which may require the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

Members considered the identification of any declarations of interest, matters of urgency or items that would require the exclusion of the press and public due to the disclosure of exempt information.

Resolved that:

a)  no declarations of interest were made by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  no additional items of business were determined by the Chair to be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  no items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

The Minutes of the Previous Meeting, held on 1^st September 2020, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the committee chair.

The Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 1^st September 2020 were approved as a correct record and for signature by the Chair.

To consider Report CFO/006/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the Bonfire Period 2020 and the continued challenges of deliberate secondary fires.

Members considered Report CFO/006/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the outcomes of the Bonfire Period 2020 and the continued challenges of deliberate secondary fires.

Members were given an overview of the report highlighting the challenges that were faced for the Bonfire Period 2020. 

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) adapted its normal tolerant approach, which is to risk assess bonfires allowing them to burn providing it is safe and appropriate to do so with members of the community observing safely. This year the adopted approach was to extinguish the bonfire(s) to reduce social gatherings and limit the associated spread of the Coronavirus through community transmission – a public health approach.  

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) crews used the “4E” model in their approach to dealing with the public. The “4E” model was adapted from the policing model of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce. Enforce was replaced with Extinguish to suit MFRS priorities.

Members were informed that although this period was challenging, MFRA had a positive response, using a proactive approach.  There was a small spike in increased incidents, as there were a lot more people purchasing fireworks due to the cancellation of displays due to Covid19. 

Members asked if there where links between deliberate fires in areas of deprivation and if this could be looked at.  Members were informed that campaigns usually take place in the lead up to the Bonfire Period, but due to Covid19 it could not be done this time.  It was added that social media is important to get messages to the public and Local Authorities assisted with this method and helped to fund the hire of a tipper truck, the social media campaign and additional Street Intervention Team deployments. 

Members asked about violence at work during this period and what injuries there where.  Members were advised that no violence is acceptable and there was an incident whereby a brick was thrown at a service vehicle windscreen.  The person involved received no physical injuries and Merseyside Police’s help with regards to this incident was outstanding, as was the support from the public.  Unfortunately, no-one was arrested for the crime.  Next year staff will wear body cameras which will assist them in their role and that of our partner agencies.  Members were informed that all violence at work is serious including verbal abuse and that staff report this as per MFRS procedures. 

Members questioned if the Street Intervention Team (SIT) in St Helens was still running and were informed that this team started again in December 2020 and that they have been doing excellent work.  Members were advised that the SIT’s have grown over time in all areas and were doing amazing work.  They challenge behaviour of youths in an assertive and positive way and direct them to clubs in the area they can attend.  SIT’s work together with Merseyside Police and Local Authorities in an attempt to stop Anti-Social Behaviour. 

Members asked if the SIT areas could be broken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.