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On fire and rescue service emergency response standards
People are being urged to have their say on and help Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service set its Emergency Response Standards.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is continually looking at how it might make Norfolk, already a safe county, even safer. To do that the county's fire authority is to set standards so the service can measure how it is performing.
Until recently the standards for how long it should take the fire and rescue service to get to an emergency were set nationally by the government. These were based on work conducted in the 1930s and were focused on protecting property not people. As such they set much higher response standards for the centre of built up areas when compared with the rest of the county.
In 2003 the government decided to withdraw these national standards and allow each fire and rescue authority to set their own standards reflect local priorities and needs. The old national targets were formally withdrawn in 2004.
Norfolk Fire Authority agreed to keep the old standards until new standards could be drawn up which were relevant to Norfolk, focussed mainly on protecting lives. With that major piece of work complete the fire authority began consulting on two possible options:
*The first would see separate standards for fires where life may be at risk (first appliance in 10mins), other emergencies where life may be at risk (first appliance in 13 minutes) and all other fires (first appliance in 13 minutes).
* The second would see a common standard for all emergency incidents (first appliance in 12 minutes).
In both cases the target would be 80% and a second fire engine would be on scene within 15 minutes when required.
A wide-ranging consultation has been underway since June seeking the views of the people of Norfolk, fire service partners, key stakeholders, fire and rescue service staff and their representative bodies.
The closing date is September 5 so if you haven't already visited www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk or YourNorfolkYourSay.org there is still time to find out more and give us your views. Alternatively you can request a hard copy questionnaire by contacting Martin Barsby (01603 819759) or Rob Holmes (01603 819465). You can also e-mail consultations@fire.norfolk.gov.uk.
County councillor Wyndham Northam, Cabinet Member for Fire and Community Protection, said: "The consultation has already captured many views and yours is important to us. If you haven't already done so there is still time to have your say and your views will help Cabinet make a final decision in October."
The results of the consultation will be published on www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk.
For further information please contact:
Martin Barsby, Communications Officer, Norfolk County Council Fire Service
Tel: 01603 819759
Email : martin.barsby@fire.norfolk.gov.uk |
