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Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is celebrating a milestone year of progress and recognition, combining frontline excellence with community engagement and national acclaim.
Marking its 50th anniversary, TWFRS was named UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year 2025 at the iESE Awards and listed among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers by the Department for Education, reflecting a strong commitment to development and innovation.
Operating from 17 stations with nearly 900 staff, the service responded to 17,401 incidents, including over 1,700 primary fires and 4,134 deliberate secondary fires. Its average dwelling fire response time of 5 minutes 44 seconds remains the fastest in the UK. In the Control Room, 97% of the 32,477 emergency calls were answered within seven seconds—showcasing the speed and professionalism of frontline staff.
Prevention and education remained core priorities, with teams delivering nearly 27,000 Safe & Well visits, targeting the most at-risk households. Education officers reached over 34,000 young people through schools and community sessions, while youth engagement initiatives involved 395 participants through schemes including the Phoenix Project, King’s Trust and Fire Cadets.
Community support extended beyond regular roles, with 79 volunteers contributing 2,300 hours across 180 events. This spirit of collaboration also underpinned the Service’s work with partners. TWFRS joined forces with The Salvation Army to support staff during prolonged incidents and worked with the Connor Brown Trust to install public-access emergency bleed kits in high-footfall locations.
A major investment in infrastructure saw the opening of Hebburn Tri Station—the UK’s first carbon-neutral emergency services hub. Officially opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the facility won Project of the Year at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards. The Service also enhanced its operational capability with the rollout of 220 new Breathing Apparatus sets, a new Welfare Vehicle and round-the-clock rope and water rescue teams.
The year also highlighted the value of pride and representation. TWFRS’s LGBTQIA+ Network took part in Northern Pride 2024, while firefighter Vicky Haswell won three gold medals at the World Firefighter Games in Denmark. The Service’s football team also took top honours in both English and British open competitions.
Looking ahead, TWFRS continues to invest in people and sustainability, with 42 new recruits, a fleet of 188 vehicles (including 13 electric) and a new Control Room mobilising system set to enhance resilience in 2025/26.
“This has been a momentous year for everyone associated with TWFRS. Our achievements reflect the dedication of our people, partners and communities.”
TWFRS Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson.
As it enters its next chapter, TWFRS remains guided by its mission:
Together, we save lives, reduce risk, provide humanitarian services and protect the environment.
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