Plan to overhaul fire and rescue services

A RADICAL new plan could totally reshape fire and rescue services in the next few years, a fire fighters’ conference was told yesterday.

Firefighters are to become ‘ambassadors of safety’ and will be expected to advise people in the aftermath of a fire. A fire outbreak would be used as a reason to knock on doors and urge residents to check on smoke alarms, for instance.

A consultation process is underway to bring about a radical overhaul of the country’s fire service over the next two years. Minister of State for the Environment Batt O’Keeffe said there should be a significant improvement in firefighter safety and in responses to incidents.