Merging fire services launch five-year safety plan
REDUCING risks and serving the community are among the focuses of a five-year strategy compiled by two fire services as they prepare to merge.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue services Safety Plan 2020-25, published on 1st April, outlines their priorities for that period.
Views given by the public during an extensive eight-week consultation process helped shape the 28-page document, according to the services.
HFRS and IWFRS chief fire officer Neil Odin said: “The role of the modern firefighter is evolving as we look for new and innovative ways to protect and serve the public.
“Both services have been rated as ‘good’ in terms of effectiveness and efficiency by a new government inspectorate, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve.
“This plan is the blueprint for how we will continue to make life safer for our communities and provide a service our people are proud to deliver.”
The plan looks at risks in the county, its people and how to best serve the needs of the individual, alongside broader issues such as population growth and climate change.
Other issues covered include levels of vulnerability, partnership working, local intelligence, industry-leading research and a commitment to continue learning and looking for ways to improve.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue services are due to be governed by a combined fire authority from April next year.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority chairman Cllr Chris Carter said: “I am extremely proud of our service which I believe is among the best in the country.
“This plan sets out a clear road map of where we are and where we are going – constantly driven by our commitment to make the communities we serve safer.
“This will be further strengthened as the future combined fire authority will be instrumental in its focus, to build upon the strong relationship between the services of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
The Safety Plan is available on the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service website bit.ly/3ay5fA2
