West Midlands Fire Service has been praised by official watchdogs for reforms which almost led to strike action.
The Audit Commission applauded it for pressing ahead with modernisation proposals, even though these were fiercely opposed by firefighters opposed to "family unfriendly" hours.
However, the Commission warned the service it needed to improve the way it communicated with staff, in an inspection report today .
It also said the service had strong management and worked effectively with residents, in a positive report.
West Midlands Fire Service received a rating of "good" overall. The other four fire brigades in the wider West Midlands region all gained the same rating.
The possible verdicts are excellent, good, fair, poor or weak.
Inspectors said it had "a clear vision" thanks to a strategic plan which was backed by Fire Authority members, directors and staff.
They added: "It continues to achieve a high level of performance in its key objectives and is performing well relative to other services, and it has innovative and challenging future plans to continue to improve services for local communities."
Audit Commission spokesman Phil Jones said: "West Midlands Fire and Civil Defence Authority is embracing the modernisation agenda.
"It has reviewed how it deploys its resources and is working effectively with partners to positively contribute to improving community safety and cohesiveness for all its residents."
The service narrowly avoided strike action when it announced plans for shifts from 4pm until midnight, and 12-hour working days.
The region's firefighters currently work from 9 am until 6 pm, or from 6 pm until 9 am.
Firefighters felt so strongly
that they passed a vote of no confidence in Frank Sheehan, the West Midlands Chief Fire Officer, and several of his senior colleagues.
Industrial action was averted after union leaders and managers reached a compromise over shifts.
Andy Dennis, Chair of West Midlands Fire Brigades Union, said: "Some of the modernisation has been good, and some not so good.
"It is a fast-moving agenda, and although it has often been managed well, the pace of change has sometimes been too fast.
"The service is taking the need to improve communications seriously."
West Midland Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan said: "Everyone in the Fire Service has worked extremely hard, in challenging times, over the past few years, to improve and maintain our performance in all areas. The whole aim of the CPA process is to support the improvement of public services, providing practical recommendations and spreading best practice.
Warwickshire Fire Service was praised for "a strong focus on community safety and the wider social agenda", while inspectors in Stoke & Staffordshire Fire Service highlighted effective fire prevention work.
Shropshire & Wrekin Fire had "effective organisational and political leadership", inspectors said, while Hereford & Worcester Fire Service was praised for "significant successes" including a reduction in accidental fires in the home by 35 per cent over the past five years.
