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The Authority is responsible for carrying out the duties required by the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.
These include:
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Securing the services of a fire brigade for its area |
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Securing the efficient training of its fire fighters |
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Making sure arrangements are in place to receive calls and summon members of the fire brigade |
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Gathering information on the character of buildings and water supplies |
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Securing arrangements to alleviate damage to property in the course of firefighting |
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Giving fire safety advice |
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Enforcing laws providing for fire safety within its area. |
The Authority sets the fire authority’s annual budget and the cost of carrying out its duties are met partly by council tax in each council area and partly by government grant and business rates.
The Authority also carries out other functions, such as rescue services or attending non-fire incidents. These include:
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Rescuing trapped and/or injured people where no fire is involved eg: at road traffic collisions |
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Dealing with spillages and accidental release of substances endangering life or the environment e.g. chemical or toxic substances inadvertently released |
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Responding to extreme weather conditions eg: pumping water from flooded property |
As part of its duties laid down in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Authority provides fire advice in the community. This means educating the public about fire safety.
The Authority was established in 1998 following local government reorganisation. Shropshire County Council and Borough of Telford and Wrekin are the Councils responsible for the Authority but are independent from it. Representative members of each Council sit on the Authority which then oversees the Fire Brigade’s finances, strategies and operations.
Further information
For a full explanation of the rules governing requests of information under any of the above please contact:
Helen Jones
Information Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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