SFRS wants Ayrshire public’s views

Ayrshire residents have been asked to share their thoughts on how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) can make communities throughout the area safer places.

Local fire and rescue plans for the East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire council areas are open for consultation until Friday 14 February, with SFRS seeking the public’s views before submitting final versions to the three authorities for approval.

Area Manager James Scott, the SFRS local senior officer for Ayrshire, said: “Identifying the risks present within our communities is key to keeping them safe.

“Ayrshire is a diverse area and each of our three council areas includes large and small communities with residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural settings.

“By understanding the risks we are able to allocate resources efficiently and flexibly, so the agreed needs of every Ayrshire community are met by their fire and rescue service.

“The plans for East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire make clear that reducing the number of fire deaths and injuries is at the core of everything we do, with effective partnerships key to success.

“Officers are constantly working to identify those at greatest risk so we can help them stay safe in their homes and by working closely with the three councils, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, the police and others, we will save lives.”
A strong emphasis on partnership working runs throughout the three local plans, with the sharing of information between agencies highlighted as benefiting the public.

While lifestyle factors are known to impact the chances of being hurt or killed by fire, reaching older people, those with disabilities, people who live alone and those with alcohol and drugs dependencies is a significant challenge for firefighters.

Developing information sharing protocols between SFRS, the three local authorities, housing providers and NHS Ayrshire and Arran will alert firefighters to those most vulnerable to fire, allowing them to effectively engage with those who are at higher risk.

Area Manager Scott added: “We are absolutely determined to ensure Ayrshire communities benefit from their fire and rescue service continually developing local solutions to local needs.

“That requires a strong partnership between firefighters and the public, so I urge all our residents to have their say during this consultation.

“The SFRS Local Fire and Rescue Plans have been developed to support the delivery of local outcomes across the three Community Planning Partnerships within Ayrshire.

“By contributing your views on the priorities we have set for our three council areas, residents will help us ensure our activities genuinely reflect the needs of every community across Ayrshire.”

To see the SFRS Local Fire and Rescue Plan for your area, visit the local plan section of the SFRS website and click East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire or South Ayrshire to download a pdf copy of the relevant plan.

To give us your comments, visit the public consultation page and click the name of your area to share your thoughts on the plan. Remember the consultation period ends on 14 February 2014.

All responses made during the consultation will be considered and the final draft local fire and rescue plans – including any changes made following submissions by members of the public – will then be passed to East, North and South Ayrshire councils for their agreement.