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THE SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE REFORM STRATEGY
FIRE SERVICE CONTROL ROOMS
88. As reported last year the issue of the number of Fire and Rescue Control Rooms and their interoperability across Scotland was subsumed into the wider review of "Scotland's Emergency Services Preparedness to Deal With Simultaneous Major Emergencies". This report concluded in July 2007 and is currently under consideration by Ministers. As Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, it is my sincere wish that this issue is addressed as soon as possible in order to best protect the public and recognise the commitment made by dedicated staff who work in these control rooms.
RADIO REPLACEMENT (FIRELINK)
89. The overall objective is to procure, deliver and install a national radio system that will meet the wide area communication needs of the Fire and Rescue Service by 2009. Working to achieve this, the Firelink Team will:
- Continue to manage the delivery of Firelink within Scotland ensuring that strong links with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services are maintained;
- Manage the contractual Firelink Regional Roll Out Board and relevant sub-groups;
- Represent the interests of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Government within the contractual management structure of Firelink and relevant national committees;
- Commence Phase A rollout of the Firelink system;
- Maintain strong communication links with CFOA(S) re Firelink delivery;
- Identify and manage risks and issues within the project, and associated risks and issues on behalf of Fire and Rescue Services and the Scottish Government;
- Maintain communication with stakeholders and other projects eg New Dimensions;
- Continue to provide input of knowledge and skills and undertake work packages on behalf of the national project;
- Assist FRS's to deliver the necessary building works and facilities/services required by Firelink;
- Assist FRS's to develop appropriate procedures and methods of operation relevant to Firelink;
- Continue to promote collaboration between FRS's in connection with Firelink and Operational Continuity; and
- Monitor the progress on Operational Continuity by continuing the programmed inspection process on behalf of the Chief Inspector.
SCOTTISH WILDFIRE FORUM
90. The work of the Scottish Wildfire Forum has continued to make a significant contribution to combating the threat of wildfires to Scotland. During the year the Chair of the Forum has passed from Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate to Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service and is linked to the CFOA Intervention Business Stream, this link at strategic level will provide critical communication paths to Ministers and Chief Fire Officers.
91. The initiative to develop a Fire Danger Rating System has made good progress, with the first stage now completed. This has resulted in a dynamic web based risk profiled map of the UK becoming available, the map indicates, based on Met Office data, the areas which present high, medium and low risk of wildfire.
92. Building on the guidance contained in Dear Chief Officer Letter 10/2005 the Forum has taken every opportunity to promote the formation of Rural Fire Partnerships between local authority Fire and Rescues Services and the land management community, for the purposes of more efficiently and effectively preventing, responding to and managing wildfire incidents.
93. The ongoing work of the Forum includes:
- Promotion of the Forum to other possible partners;
- Developing the Forum's aims and objectives;
- The progression of effective prevention and intervention strategies;
- Developing training, learning and development initiatives with the Fire Service and other partners;
- Developing awareness of international developments and best practice.
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