Preparing for and responding to emergencies.
Our Fire Control handles all 999 emergency calls, with operators assessing each call to determine the necessary emergency response. Fire Control dispatches the fire engine(s) or specialist resource(s) that can respond the quickest to the emergency.
The combination of our response time and the number of firefighters attending a fire is crucial. More serious and complex emergencies typically require more firefighters, a strategy we refer to as our ‘speed and weight of attack.’ We aim to maintain the current number of fire stations and fire engines to preserve our existing ‘speed and weight of attack.’
Each station operates a shift system based on the local community’s risk level. Higher-risk areas are covered by wholetime (24/7) stations, while lower-risk areas are covered by on-call stations. Areas with intermediate risk levels have a combination of both, with day-crewed stations (working during the day and on-call at night). Our 46 fire engines are equipped to handle most emergencies. For more complex emergencies, we have strategically located specialist resources available.
When a fire engine is unavailable due to an emergency or operational training, we have systems and procedures in place to relocate other fire engines to maintain a high standard of cover where it is most needed, according to risk.
To ensure the nearest fire engines respond to emergencies near and across our county border, we have arrangements with neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services to share fire engines and other specialist resources as required.
"We have arrangements in place with our neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services to share fire engines and other specialist resources if required."
"Our operational training is designed to ensure firefighters are well prepared."
- Core Skills Training -This includes fundamental firefighting skills such as hose handling, ladder operations, search and rescue techniques, and the use of breathing apparatus. These skills are essential for effective firefighting and rescue operations.
- Specialised Training - Firefighters receive training in specialised areas such as hazardous materials, technical rescue (e.g. rope rescue, confined space rescue), driving, and water rescue. This ensures they can handle specific types of incidents safely and effectively.
- Incident Command Training - This focuses on developing the skills needed to manage and coordinate emergency responses. It includes training on decision-making, resource management, and communication during incidents.
- Live Fire Training - Our firefighters participate in controlled live fire exercises to practice their skills in realistic scenarios. This helps them understand fire behaviour and develop the ability to operate safely in high-stress environments.
- Continuous Professional Development - Firefighters engage in ongoing training and development to keep their skills up to date. This includes refresher courses, new techniques, and learning from past incidents.
These training programmes are crucial for maintaining high standards of operational readiness and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our response. Our firefighters engage in a variety of training programmes beyond operational training to ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for all situations.
"Pioneering teaching is delivered from a progressive training centre with firefighter learning based around modern and emerging risks and threats."
Here are some key areas of training:
- Community Safety and Education - Firefighters provide educational programmes in schools and community groups to teach fire safety, prevention, and inform about emergency response.
- Safe and Well Visits - Firefighters are trained to visit homes, offering a person-centered approach to reduce the risk of fire.
- Technical Skills - Firefighters receive continuous training on the use of new equipment and technologies, as well as maintaining and testing existing equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Multi-agency and JESIP training - Our firefighters undertake training with our blue light partners, local authorities, and other key organisations (utility companies, transport organisations, etc) to ensure operational understanding and development.
Our state-of-the-art training centre, staffed by highly skilled professionals, ensures that all personnel acquire the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies to perform their duties safely and effectively. We offer comprehensive training programmes, continuous professional development opportunities, and specialised courses tailored to the diverse needs of our service. Our objective is to uphold and maintain the highest standards of operational readiness and to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.
"Delivering training in breathing apparatus, road traffic collisions, hazmat, casualty care, water and line rescue."
