Posted: Friday 16 February 2018, 10:59
At today’s (Thursday 15 February) Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) meeting, elected members approved outline plans to commence a consultation on proposals to reduce the Aerial Ladder Platform provision in the Service and proposals to reduce the number of Water Rescue Units the Service has.
Over the past ten years there has been a significant reduction in the number of incidents the Service has attended, resulting in a reduction in the number of mobilisations of both fire and specialist appliances. In recognition of this, the Fire and Rescue Authority requested a review of the provision and disposition of ‘specials’ across the Service as part of the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2017-21 year one action plan.
FRA members today approved:
Aerial Ladder Platform
Proceed with a consultation in respect of the proposed removal of the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) at Buxton Fire Station.
Water Rescue Units
Proceed with a consultation on proposals to reduce the number of Water Rescue Units from four to two; removing the Water Rescue Units (WRU) at Chesterfield and Matlock and operate with one at Buxton and one at Kingsway Fire Station.
Speaking following today’s Fire and Rescue Authority Meeting, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson said: “The review of specialist appliances is a project, within the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2017/21, to ensure the Service continues to provide the most efficient and effective fire and rescue service to the communities of Derbyshire.
“Over the last ten years the Service has seen over a 50% reduction in the number of incidents it responds to and as such, a review of the specialist vehicles and response to incidents has highlighted where the Service can be more efficient and effective in how it operates.
“The Fire and Rescue Authority has today approved consultations in respect of proposals to remove the Aerial Ladder Platform at Buxton and proposals to reduce our Water Rescue Unit provision from four to two.
“The timing of the commencement of the consultation and any potential changes to specialist provision within the Service will be managed by the Chief Fire Officer through the life of the IRMP which runs from 2017-21.”