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The turn of the year storms and subsequent flooding highlighted once again the vast range of emergency rescues within the remit of fire crews. Fire and rescue services across the UK are however far from reactive to natural disasters. Warwickshire’s Boat Fire Safety Check provides a comprehensive approach to making its waterways safe. Although a small county, with approximately 120 miles of inland waterways and 2,500 boats registered within the area, the risks have been steadily rising. Introducing a partnership approach, including data sharing, the scheme delivers key fire safety messages and will be introduced as part of the NCFSC’s tool-kit. Warwickshire has also established a boat safety survey, the results of which will establish a risk profile (www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue )
European Funding
CFO Paul Hayden provides a timely update on CFOA’s Management of Major Flood Events project and speculates on how the research can be used to improve our readiness for major disasters. The statutory position is as confused as ever, he explains, with the duty being left out of the FRSA 2004 Emergencies Order; surprising, given the investment in High Volume Pumping appliances. The current responsibility is split across multiple government departments, however Paul explains that there is a growing realisation that the FRS can and should take the lead on co-ordinating land or water-borne inland rescue response. Key now is developing the resilience and mutual aid arrangements for major incidents. The funding for the research is being pursued through Europe. FIRE will keep readers updated on the progress of the RESOLVE project bid.
Incident reportsStorm chaos around Britain, flooding strife, suspicious fire injury in Kent
Boat fire safety in WarwickshireNigel Grant, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, takes acomprehensive look at the measures taking place in the county tomake its waterways safer from fire
What next for flood management?CFO Paul Hayden considers how pan-European co-operation will helpin the management of potential national disasters
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