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Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, has today announced Dan Stephens as the new Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor and Inspector for Wales.

First published:
18 December 2019
Last updated:

This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government

The Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser has a vital role in assisting the Welsh Government on matters of operational preparedness, performance, structure and organisation of the three Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales. 

The Chief Adviser is also legally responsible for inspecting fire safety in all non-military Crown premises in Wales, and is appointed to that role by Her Majesty in Council under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.   

Dan Stephens brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has 30 years’ experience in the Fire and Rescue Service and has held the post of Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority and Chief Officer/Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, in Australia.

Hannah Blythyn said:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Stephens as the new Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser for Wales.

Dan’s immediate priorities will be to ensure the Welsh Government and our Fire and Rescue Services learn the lessons from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

While many of the Inquiry’s recommendations are addressed to the London Fire Brigade, they apply equally to all other Fire and Rescue Services. Dan will work with Wales’ Chief Fire Officers to provide full assurance that those recommendations are being promptly and effectively addressed. I look forward to working with him.