A new fire control center fitted with state-of-the-art communications for mobilizing and managing Suffolk’s firefighters would be in the best interests of the county, a report to councilors says.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced in June it would be withdrawing from the shared control room arrangement in place since 2011 with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire and Rescue Service, based in Huntingdon.
replacing mobilizing technology
The report recommending approval to Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet, due to sit on Tuesday, September 12, says fire control would be brought back into the county by the end of 2024.
The report says the move is necessary because a project to replace the current mobilizing technology agreed by both services in 2019, is currently two years overdue.
Redressment Judiciaire
If the company comes out of administration, it will remain with its liabilities to pay
In addition, the French company providing the new technology entered 'Redressment Judiciaire' a form of financial administration that resulted in the freezing of its assets and liabilities. If the company comes out of administration, it will remain with its liabilities to pay.
SFRS concluded the non-delivery and missed milestones by the new technology provider, together with its financial predicament, means continuing with the current IT mobilizing project presents an unacceptable risk to firefighters and the public.
Control room with tested systems
This risk should be mitigated as soon as possible by Suffolk having its control room using tried and tested systems. However, the current system continues to mobilize the emergency response effectively, keeping Suffolk safe.
The report says, “The new control room will forecast and coordinate SFRS resources based on risk modeling and new technology. This will ensure resources are deployed efficiently and effectively across the county, maximizing fire engine availability, and improving response times. The new control room will coordinate resources out of hours to provide a swifter service to our most vulnerable residents.”
An initial capital investment of £1.588 million would be required for project delivery over three years. Additional revenue service of £1.615 million annually will need to be provided to support the operating cost of the control room.