To consider the report relating to MFRS’ Operational Response to Flood (CFO/96/25).

Group Manager, Chris Barrett, delivered a presentation on Flood Rescue, explaining that flooding could be categorised into different events including fluvial, pluvial and coastal. It was advised that fluvial flooding happened when rivers overflowed due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt and Merseyside wasn’t affected by this. Pluvial flooding was a sudden and intense flood cause by heavy rainfall in a short period, often in urban areas or near dry riverbeds. Members were advised that this was something Merseyside could suffer from in the future. Merseyside had been affected by coastal flooding in the past and it was likely to happen again in the future. This was when ocean water surged onto land due to storms or high tides.

It was noted that global warming could lead to flooding due to melting ice and rising sea levels, more extreme weather such as storms, changing rainfall patterns and warming oceans.

Members were shown some images of recent flooding events in 2024/25 that affected the country which were mainly due to rivers bursting. This wasn’t an area of great concern for Merseyside, however, it could affect the area in the future so being aware was vital. A video was also shown to Members to demonstrate how quickly flooding could occur, along with pictures from local floods that MFRS attended.

Councillor Jan Grace commented on how dirty the water was during a flood. Chris explained that the overflowing drainage resulted in raw sewage entering people's homes and businesses. It usually took around six months for residents to return to their homes.

Members were reassured that all MFRS staff were trained to a minimum standard of still water rescue to give them the skills to respond to water and flood incidents with appropriate PPE. Furthermore, the Search and Rescue Team (SRT) provided a specialist response and could work in and around moving water using specialist rescue equipment and techniques. It was noted that there were 80 trained SRT staff at Aintree and Kirkdale Fire Stations. Councillor Dave Hanratty queried how a national emergency, with some staff being deployed, would affect the Service’s local team. Chris Barrett reassured Members that this would not be an issue, as the retained recall to duty system allowed for the deployment of 15 additional staff to provide coverage.

Chris advised Members that the UK Fire Service played a crucial role in responding to flooding nationally, working alongside other emergency services such as the police, ambulance and local authorities. It was acknowledged that the Service had two ‘Type B’ flood teams registered on the Flood Rescue National Asset Register which were made up from specialist trained SRT staff. The ‘Type B’ team was a powered boat where all team members were trained Swift Water Technicians and Rescue Boat Operators. It was noted that the Service had been deployed nationally to a number of areas.

It was explained that the Service also helped with flood response internationally, with six staff members being deployed to Malawi in 2023, with 358 rescues taking place. Chris noted that relief aid was also delivered during this time and two of the Service’s boats were donated to Malawi.

Councillor Andrew Makinson raised concerns about the incident in 2024 that lead to two fatalities and noted that this area had been a problem for many years with flooding. He queried whether there was a way of feeding back any recommendations to prevent any further fatalities. Members were advised that the Merseyside Resilience Forum was where foreseeable risk was reviewed, with flooding being a major future risk. The Authority’s Operational Preparedness Team held the responsibility for looking at foreseeable risk which was where those recommendations were reviewed and agreed. Chris added that work would also be done with Local Authorities if flooding incidents were to happen in the same area on a regular basis to see what issues could be resolved. It was noted that since the tragic incident took place, a level crossing had been put in place to stop entry.

Councillor Dave Hanratty mentioned the need to look into the patterns of the locations where similar incidents had arisen over the last five years. From this, he commented that it was crucial to collaborate with partners to identify the issues and determine potential solutions. Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dave Mottram, advised that the Local Resilience Forum operated under the Civil Contingencies Act. When a risk affected more than one partner in Merseyside, there was a requirement for category one responders and blue light responders to collaborate to train and prepare for the situation.

It was raised by Councillor Dave Hanratty whether the Authority could influence the work done with the National Fire Chiefs Council, expressing concerns about unclear legislation regarding the responsibilities of Fire and Rescue Services. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer acknowledged that there was no statutory obligation to respond to floods, which had been an ongoing discussion with Fire and the NFCC. He also emphasised that staff would continue to respond to flooding incidents, addressing the risks in Merseyside and beyond to assist the public.

Councillor Dave Hanratty asked if the Service was confident that all equipment was efficient and up to date. Chris Barrett confirmed that he was satisfied, highlighting that four new boats and engines were purchased last year – two were immediately available, and two were used for training.

Councillor Jan Grace observed that it was the first time she had seen Seaforth or Litherland flooded and asked how much notice the Met Office could provide for such events. Chris Barrett explained that the Met Office provided excellent warning, identifying areas at risk of flooding and predicting when it could occur. This information was then shared with Senior Officers and stations to help them prepare for the timing and locations of potential floods.

It was asked by Councillor Gill Wood whether the Fire and Rescue Service was involved in planning discussions about the potential impact of new housing developments on flooding in green spaces. She also inquired if the Fire Service could help to keep residents informed about safety measures. Chris responded that the Service was notified from a protection perspective, , however, the Authority as a whole was not consulted about the potential flooding risks of new housing projects. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer added that as part of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), prevention advice would extend beyond home fire safety, including guidance for residents in flood-prone areas on what actions to take.

The Chair thanked Chris Barrett for his presentation and the amazing job that the Fire Service had done.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the Flood capability in MFRS, as contained within Flood presentation be noted; and

b)    the approached adopted be scrutinised.