Ranil Jayawardena met with Chief Officer Dave Curry, from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, at Fleet Fire Station, to discuss how the fire service is adapting and changing as the type of work they do evolves.
Ranil said:
‘I was pleased to see that North East Hampshire is in very capable hands and that the Fire Service led by Dave Curry are doing an exceptional job. It was clear that it’s not just fires they deal with, or rescuing cats in trees! They play a key role in a number of other incidents that can happen, including ‘Emergency Planning’ so, if there was major flooding, civil resilience, a terrorist attack, a chemical leak, or a huge forest fire, they are prepared. That said, I very much hope none of these things happen in North East Hampshire!
‘Dave and I discussed how the Fire Services role has been changing over the years, and what the recent proposals drawn up by Hampshire Fire and Rescue service involve. The proposals will aim for a safer Hampshire, and it’s important for residents to have their say in these proposals. That’s why there will be a public consultation period from 14 September – 4 December. The public will be able to share their thoughts and opinions via an online questionnaire or by attending a public meeting.’
Chief Officer Dave Curry said:
‘Hampshire has changed so much over the last decade and so has the demand on our services. The way we are funded is changing too. We want to provide a smarter, more relevant and more efficient service to the residents of Hampshire whilst addressing financial challenges.
‘Our ambition continues to be the best fire and rescue service in the country and to make life safer for everyone in Hampshire.’