Minutes:
Witnesses:
Russell Pearson, Chief Fire Officer, Surrey County Council
Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) provided an update on some of the recent developments with SFRS. In particular, information was provided on two major fires which have occurred in Surrey since the last meeting of the Communities Select Committee on 19 March 2015. The CFO advised that new training and resources had been used effectively to ensure that firefighters were able to tackle a major wildfire outside of Pirbright efficiently and without any damage to property.
2. The Committee was provided with details of the fire which took place at Clandon Park House and efforts which have been taking place to rescue as much of the interior of the building as possible. It was, however, advised that damage to the inside of the house is extensive although much of the external structure remains intact. Moreover, SFRS have managed to recover a number of Clandon Park House’s most significant artefacts although there is a need to ensure that the structure of the building is intact before any further salvage operations can take place. Members were further informed that the CFO and Cabinet Associate for Community Safety Services have met with the Director General of the National Trust and that they are writing a joint article on the recovery and restoration of historic buildings after a major fire.
· The CFO was asked whether there was any scope to use aircraft to drop water on fires such as that which took place at Clandon Park House. It was highlighted that SFRS doesn’t currently have the capability to do this but conversations are taking place with a private company that does provide this service to assess whether SFRS can add this facility to its arsenal. It is, however, extremely expensive and could cost as much as £2 million a year just to have a helicopter and its crew on standby in case of a major fire.
3. Information was provided on a host of new equipment purchased by SFRS to provide them with more flexibility in tackling different types of fire. This equipment includes 26 new Landrover Defenders with one situated at each Fire Station in the county. These can be used to respond to different types of incident, have the capability to reach locations that can’t be accessed by fire trucks, and can also reach some fires more quickly. This means that they can start tackling the fire, and ensuring the safety of the public, before the truck arrives.
4. Attention was also drawn to the refreshed Public Safety Plan being drawn up by SFRS which outlines steps to cut waste in the fire service. Members were told that the aim is to publish a first draft of Public Safety Plan by the autumn. The CFO emphasised the importance of getting the plan right and consulting widely, to ensure that SFRS is able to save money and resources without compromising public safety.
Recommendations:
None
Actions/ further information to be provided:
None
Committee next steps:
None
Lunch break began at 12.45pm.
Committee resumed at 1.30pm.