The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service has published a five-year strategic plan that will underpin its vision of ‘Making the Island Safer’.

The document, which will be laid before the December sitting of Tynwald, is aimed at reducing risk within the local community.

It focuses on five strategic areas of work needed to maintain a high performing service that meets future demands:

• People engagement
• Partnership evolvement
• Protecting the vulnerable person
• Delivering a high quality, effective and efficient service
• Development and growth

The strategic plan 2015-2020 underlines the Fire and Rescue Service’s status as an all-Island asset that is committed to delivering its objectives of prevention, protection and response. This is achieved through education and advice, an effective response to operational incidents, enforcing fire safety legislation and investing in its people through training and equipment.

The Fire and Rescue Service has evolved over recent years to provide a wide range of emergency and fire safety functions. As well as attending fires, firefighters deal with specialist events including road traffic collisions, water rescues, line rescues and hill searches. They also work in partnership with other emergency services to support the response to environmental emergencies such as snow storms and flooding.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Fire and Rescue Service is an essential part of our efforts to promote the Isle of Man as a safe place to live and do business. The public can have every confidence in the continued delivery of a first-rate emergency service. This strategic plan sets out how the Service will continue to develop and grow to meet the Island’s needs.’

Chris Thomas MHK, Department Member with responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service, added: ‘We are continually looking at how services are delivered in order to identify new and more sustainable ways of working. There are opportunities to work in partnership with other agencies and share information and ideas that will benefit the local community.’

The Fire and Rescue Service has modernised in recent years in order to meet budget savings targets. The Department has reiterated that it has no plans to close any fire stations and remains committed to protecting frontline emergency services wherever possible.

The Service is also looking to the future to ensure it is equipped to address the challenges posed by evolving demands, changing demographics and an ageing population.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom said: ‘People are living longer and are being encouraged to stay in their own homes wherever possible, so we need to keep them safe. Partnership working is vital. Something as simple as a volunteer identifying and reporting a faulty smoke alarm during a home visit could help save a life. As well as the human cost, UK statistics show that one fire death costs the economy ?1.65million.’

He added: ‘The strategic plan identifies continued investment in our people and infrastructure, including the new live fire training facility, a replacement fire and ambulance station opposite the airport in Ronaldsway and the relocation of Port Erin fire station to the current southern ambulance station. Our people are our greatest asset and I am proud to lead such a team of dedicated professionals to deliver this plan.’