Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have signed an agreement to further enhance partnership working between both organisations in relation to fire investigation, helping to make our community safer.  

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ensures effective and efficient co-operation between Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) when dealing with fires which may involve fatalities, injuries to people or when a crime is suspected. It will enhance accuracy in the recording of the causes of fire and will assist with the prosecutions of those responsible for arson.

Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Safety Services, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Today's agreement is a further extension of our long-standing relationship with our colleagues in the PSNI and our joint work on fire investigations.

"Working together and effectively managing fire scene investigations is crucial to providing accurate information in recording the causes of fire. The sharing of expertise and information between our organisations is invaluable. As a fire and rescue service this will assist us in pin-pointing the actual causes of fires and this important information will continue to shape our work in fire prevention, community education and engagement etc.

"This agreement will help both our organisations to continue to work in partnership to ensure the safety and well-being of the community."

Drew Harris, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland said: "This memorandum is an important step forward in our co-operation with NIFRS.

"The document formalises our agreement to continue to work in partnership with our colleagues in an effort to ensure the best possible response and investigative procedures.

"We are committed to working with NIFRS to prevent fires, save lives and improve community safety."

 

Photo: Pictured at the signing of the agreement are Drew Harris, Assistant Chief Constable, PSNI and Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Safety Services, NIFRS

 

Posted July 18th, 2012 at 1335 by Andrew. Comment by emailing andrew.lynch@pavpub.com