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Consultation To Open In Respect Of Service Specialist Capability

Posted: Tuesday 5 June 2018, 08:31

On Friday 1 June 2018, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is launching three consultations in respect of proposed changes to the specialist response provision across Derbyshire, namely Aerial Ladder Platforms and Water Rescue Units.

In 2017/18 as part of the Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2017-21, a review was undertaken in respect of the specialist response provision across the County.  The review was undertaken to ensure that the number and location of specialist vehicles and capability provision was right for the risks within Derbyshire, in line with the IRMP.

As a result of the review, DFRS is now seeking views on the following consultation proposals:

  1. Reduce the number of Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALP) across the Service from three to two. Remove the ALP from Buxton Fire Station, leaving two ALPs based at Chesterfield and Ascot Drive Fire Stations.
  2. Remove the Water Rescue Unit from Matlock Fire Station leaving two Water Rescue Units at Buxton and Derby.
  3. Remove the Water Rescue Unit from Chesterfield Fire Station leaving two Water Rescue Units at Buxton and Derby.

Speaking ahead of the consultation launch, Area Manager Dave Crowther said: “In line with providing an efficient and effective emergency service, a comprehensive review of the specialist response provision across Derbyshire identified an over-provision of Aerial Ladder Platforms and Water Rescue Units in the county.   

“The review considered many factors, including the number of times ALPs and Water Rescue Units were used at incidents, alongside the risks within Derbyshire. As an outcome of the review, the Service is now seeking views on the three proposals that are out for consultation.”

It is important to note that the proposals would not impact on Firefighter numbers across the county and would not lead to redundancies.

The consultations open on the 1 June 2018 and runs until the 14 July 2018. 

Information supporting each of the three proposals and a link to ‘Have Your Say’ is available at https://www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/have-your-say/