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Statutory duty for flooding proves sticking point |
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The Chief Fire Officers’ Association has welcomed the Chief Fire Adviser’s flood report launched on March 17 and laid in parliament by John Healy MP (see pg 19).
Responding to the report CFOA President Steve McGuirk thanked Sir Ken Knight for his positive endorsement of the dedication and professionalism of the Fire and Rescue Service in protecting lives, infrastructure and property. CFO McGuirk said: “However, we are disappointed that Sir Ken’s report does not provide clarity on the issue of a statutory duty for managing inland flood and water events. The 2006 CFOA report Management of Major Flood Events – FRS Contribution to the Emergency Phase draws attention to this crucial gap in management and co-ordination of inland flood events despite the diverse and complex nature of these incidents.
“We question how existing FRS response arrangements to flooding emergencies can be strengthened in the future. CFOA colleagues really don’t understand how exactly effective public safety is intended to be secured through a patchwork quilt of different local arrangements without one agency holding overall responsibility for the management and coordination of national water emergency incidents.” CFO McGuirk added: “CFOA has articulated its expectations in respect of a statutory duty for the Fire and Rescue Service in responding to flooding emergencies to both the Chief Fire Adviser and the Communities and Local Government. Nonetheless, the association is willing to consider sensible alternative arrangements that would address the critical issues relating to the co-ordination of rescue resources and activities, flood rescue capability, capacity and financial resources. Scottish fire and rescue services already have the clarity that we seek.”
He concluded: “Fire authorities have a duty of care to their employees and require proper resourcing in terms of management, skills and equipment to ensure the wellbeing of their employees during protracted flooding incidents. We must also continue to campaign to close gaps in service provision to ensure that we have the best arrangements in place for the safety of the communities that we serve.”
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