Fire and Rescue Service Consultation – Model for Change Strategic Project

The way we live, work and play has been changing over recent years and this has led to a review of the risk of fire and other life-threatening incidents on the Island and the service's ability to respond appropriately.

With the emphasis now on prevention and protection resulting in fewer fires, and an increased need to be prepared for larger events - not only locally but as part of the national resilience team - it is critical that the workforce is fully trained and available in the right place at the right time with the right equipment.

The current Fire and Rescue Service' infrastructure on the Isle of Wight was designed to meet standards imposed nationally, going back to 1947, based solely on property risks and taking no account of the people that live, work or visit those premises.

Since the new Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 responsibility has passed to individual Fire and Rescue Services to assess their local risk based on the needs and life-style of the people within the communities in which they serve.

Through the years some modifications have been made to accommodate changing circumstances but these have been 'piecemeal and reactive' rather than based on a planned strategy.

The main aims of the project are to:

Increase the number of full-time staff so that more time can be spent on Community Safety prevention and protection initiatives in those areas that are currently at higher risk - this can be due to their geographical location, record of higher number of incidents, building structures etc.
Increase the number of full-time firefighters to provide a 'nucleus' to cover any shortfalls in availability of crews around the Island both day and night.
Extra crews can ensure additional numbers of special rescue appliances to increase our response at road traffic collisions - currently the highest risk of life on the Island.
Build new fire stations where they are most needed, with modern facilities that are fit for purpose for our staff and can be used as a targeted community resource

A series of public meetings has been arranged to explain more about the plan, answer questions and hear your views.

No need to book, just turn up! All meetings start at 6.30pm.

Date	Venue
Monday 20 July 2009	Newport Football Club St George's Park, Medina Way, Newport, PO30 2QH
Tuesday 21 July 2009	Gatten and Lake Primary School 15 Howard Road, Shanklin, PO37 6HD
Wednesday 22 July 2009	The Broadway Centre 1 The Broadway, Sandown, PO36 9GG
Monday 27 July 2009	Yarmouth Primary School Mill Road, Yarmouth PO41 0RA
Tuesday 28 July 2009	Winter Gardens Pier Street, Ventnor, PO38 1SZ
Wednesday 29 July 2009	The Council Chamber Ryde Town Hall, Lind Street, Ryde, PO33 2NL

Background information can be found at the following locations:

www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/20-4-09/Paper%20D.pdf

Further information about the consultation can be found on the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Website at www.iwfire.org