Consultation on draft fire and rescue plan

A series of two hour community consultation meetings have been arranged throughout Shetland to explain and seek feedback on the draft fire and rescue plan for Shetland.

The draft plan sets out nine main “priorities, actions and outcomes” for the SFRS.

It states that the “number of accidental fires in Shetland is relatively low, with the majority occurring in domestic dwellings. The types of home involved are varied, but a significant proportion are rented properties. Causes of accidental domestic fires in Shetland tend to include unattended cooking, electrical equipment and candles.”

The document also states that “The reduction of fire fatalities and casualties is at the core of our preventative and early intervention activities carried out by SFRS in [sic] Shetland Islands.

According to an SFRS press release “local fire and policing plans are the mechanism through which the aims of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Police Scotland are delivered to meet the agreed needs of Shetland and ensure the most efficient use of resources.

“The plans set out the priorities and objectives for the two emergency services and allow the Shetland Islands Council and other local partners to scrutinise the services’ performance.”

Anyone who wants to know more about the draft plan should attend the following events: Brae Fire Station, today at 7pm; Fetlar Community Hall, tomorrow  at 7pm; Lerwick Fire Station, Wednesday 8th January at 7pm; Baltasound JHS, Tuesday 14th at 6pm; Scalloway Fire Station, Wednesday 15th at 7pm; Bixter Hall, Thursday 16th at 7pm; Sandwick Fire Station, Thursday 23rd at 7pm; Mid Yell Fire Station, Friday 24th at 6pm and Whalsay Fire Station, Saturday 25th at 6.30pm.

The chairman or vice chairman of the local community safety form and representatives from the fire brigade will be on hand to explain the document.