An inspector warned there were concerns about Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service’s performance in keeping residents “safe and secure”. Explaining the decision, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Michelle Skeer OBE QPM said: “I have concerns about the performance of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks. "As a result, and after careful consideration, I have decided to place the service into our enhanced monitoring process, Engage. “The service needs to start making immediate improvements and prepare an action plan to address my concerns. All fire and rescue services are in routine monitoring by default, but may be escalated to enhanced monitoring if they are not effectively addressing the inspectorate’s concerns.