Shropshire’s recently established geographical intelligence unit supports a number of fire service activities.
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Pictured left is a map analysing the proposed new fire station locations in Shrewsbury as part of our IRMP. It compares drive times with historical incident information. |
The Geographical Intelligence Unit (GIU) has overall responsibility for maintaining our detailed knowledge of Shropshire, its geography and its population, and supports staff at all levels.
Responsibilities include ensuring that fire crews have up-to-date mapping and special risk information at their fingertips, and that our control room is able to make quick and accurate mobilising decisions by having accurate and timely information available.
The GIU also plays a major part in strategic planning by supporting the integrated risk management team. It uses the available intelligence data and statistical performance data to aid long term planning using a wide variety of geographical information systems and analytical skills. Recent examples have included detailed analysis as part of fire cover reviews in Telford and Shrewsbury, which has already resulted in the upgrading of Tweedale fire station to wholetime status.
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Pictured left is a hotspot map showing predicted response times for fire appliances across Shropshire and surrounding areas |
Occasionally, unforeseen events require quick analysis of geographical knowledge to support operational decision-making.
Examples include:
- The loss of a bridge and a major road route in and out of Ludlow due to flooding in 2007 which could potentially have compromised our response in the affected areas. The GIU was able to predict the modified levels of cover within a few hours, thus allowing operational teams to ensure continuity of cover.
- A major loss of water supply and fire hydrants in South Shropshire and North Worcestershire required input from the GIU to predict optimum locations for the redeployment of heavy pumping appliances to ensure water was available for firefighting in the affected areas.
Further information
Geographical Intelligence Unit
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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