Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response to incidents across its area. The service also delivers home fire safety advice, conducts safety inspections, and runs community education programmes aimed at reducing fire risks. Its operational remit includes responding to road traffic collisions, hazardous material incidents, and specialized rescues such as water or height operations. The organisation maintains a 24‑hour control centre that coordinates mobilisation of appliances and personnel. Core functions are carried out by uniformed firefighters, support staff, and specialist teams trained in various disciplines.

The service is headquartered in the United Kingdom and serves the Humberside region, covering cities and rural communities within that area. During the ransomware incident in May 2023, the organisation noted it had to manage operational continuity for over 1,000 staff members. This figure indicates the scale of its workforce, encompassing both operational and non‑operational personnel. The organisation’s headquarters location places it within the UK public sector emergency services framework. Its service area includes a mix of urban centres, industrial zones, and coastal localities that shape its risk profile.

The May 2023 ransomware attack highlighted the service’s dependence on information and communications technology for core functions such as home fire safety systems and incident management. In response, the organisation isolated affected systems while preserving emergency response capabilities and initiated a rebuild of compromised infrastructure. The incident prompted a strategic shift toward cloud‑based solutions to improve resilience and reduce future vulnerability. Additionally, the service enhanced its cybersecurity training programme to address human factors that could be exploited by threat actors. The experience led to a review of business continuity planning, data protection assessments, and clearer organisational accountability for data management.