Plans have been approved today (Monday 30 July) that will shape the future of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.
As the risks in our communities change, such as an increasingly ageing population, and Government funding for the fire service continues to reduce, the Service needs to adapt to meet these new challenges.
The documents approved by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority today set the priority areas of work for the future which will now be investigated in more detail.
Chief Fire Officer Glenn Askew said: “Our primary role will continue to be to reduce deaths and injuries from fires and road traffic collisions. We try to prevent these incidents from happening in the first place through education but will respond to emergencies when they happen.
“However, we are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach that historically has seen us respond to emergencies in the same way at every fire station, regardless of the different risks in each area. We need to look at the way we operate to make sure we have the right people and equipment in the right places at the right time.”
Managers will look at how it can use the latest technology and a wider range of equipment and vehicles to improve the service provided to the public.
Staff, residents and other interested parties will be involved in the process as more detail becomes available.
Cllr Sara Randall Johnson, Chair of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “We were pleased to approve this mandate for change and will continue to work with officers and challenge them to make sure the Service is ready to meet the future needs of our communities.”
The Fire and Rescue Plan, updated Integrated Risk Management Plan, and Change & Improvement Programme mandate are available on the Service’s website as part of the Authority papers here.
