Innovative plans to increase the number of fire engines and create specialist fire stations across Merseyside, United Kingdom have been unanimously approved.
The plans contained within Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s (MFRS) Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2021-24, represent a continued optimism for the fire service, after a lengthy period of cuts, which has resulted in the loss of fire stations, fire engines and firefighters.
Integrated Risk Management Plan
Bold plans put forward by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’ Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, build on the MFRS’ previous IRMP and will see the number of fire engines increase from 29 to 31 (plus the Special Rescue Appliance), the second increase in Merseyside’s fire engines in as many years.
A 12-week public consultation on the plans took place between March 1 and May 24, 2021, with the MFRS’ Fire & Rescue Authority giving their final seal of approval, at a meeting held on June 20, 2021.
The plans include:
- An increase of available fire engines from 29 (plus the Special Rescue Appliance) to 31 (plus the Special Rescue Appliance). This will be achieved through the expansion of the innovative hybrid duty system, a system first introduced by the MFRS in 2018, in order to protect night-time cover at Liverpool City and Wallasey Community Fire Stations.
- The merger of the stations at Aintree and Croxteth, in order to create a superstation, along with a new Training and Development Academy, which is to be built on land at Long Lane, Aintree, United Kingdom. A separate 12-week public consultation on this proposal will begin on July 15, 2021.
- The combination of the duty systems at Liverpool City and Kensington fire stations, to create a Dual Station Hybrid, including a specialist command and control function.
- The introduction of a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) appliance at St Helens, to replace the complementary crewed combined platform ladder. This type of appliance would aid in fighting all normal fires, but can also be used as a water tower, and has a lance that can be used to pierce roof spaces, or light industrial buildings.
- The introduction of the drone (aerial) capability, after being agreed in the previous IRMP. This capability will be managed by the MFRS’ protection team and will also be used on a day-to-day basis, to support their work in auditing high-risk premises.
Specialist appliances stored at sensitive locations
As part of the plans, MFRS’ specialist appliances will move to locations, where there is more likelihood of a particular type of risk occurring. This will create specialist capability fire stations and give firefighters extra training, in order to ensure that they have a higher level of knowledge about these risks and how to deal with them. Further details on the proposals and the location of specialist stations can be found in the IRMP 2021-24 plan page, on the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s official website.
Cllr Les Byrom, Chair of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority, said about the plans, “After years of relentless government cutbacks, it is refreshing to see such bold and innovative plans from our Chief Fire Officer, to ensure we have the best possible fire and rescue service for the people of Merseyside. I applaud Chief Garrigan and thank everyone who took part in the public consultation.”
Working closely with MFRS officers and Staff
I have no doubt in my mind that these plans will make us more resilient, more effective and quicker to respond"
Cllr Les Byrom adds, “The Authority will continue to work closely with the Chief Fire Officer, officers, staff and representative bodies, to oppose any further government budget cuts, to ensure Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is able to continue to grow and become the fire and rescue service that the people of Merseyside deserve.”
Speaking regarding the Authority’s approval, MFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, said “I have no doubt in my mind that these plans will make us more resilient, more effective and quicker to respond, while also ensuring that we are equipped to meet the demands placed on a modern day fire and rescue service. I thank the Authority for recognizing the importance of these changes and for helping us to protect the public of Merseyside now and in the future.”
Efficient fire and rescue services
Phil Garrigan adds, “I have spoken previously about my vision for the service and I firmly believe we are the best fire and rescue service in the country, with the very best people at our core. Whether they are answering 999 calls, attending incidents, fitting smoke alarms, delivering fire safety advice to residents and businesses, or working behind the scenes to keep our service running, our staff is truly incredible.”
He further stated, “After what has been one of the most difficult years that we as a country have ever faced, a year that has seen our staff go above and beyond to keep the public safe through extraordinary means, it is only right that we say enough is enough to years of cutbacks. Now is the time to usher in a period of renewed optimism and investment in resources that reflect the risks that we face and the commitment, and professionalism of our operational, and support staff.”
Detail on the 12-week public consultation, on the merger of Aintree and Croxteth fire stations, and the development of a new Training & Development Academy will be published soon.