Four UK fire services adopt shared control room technology

Shared control room solution for improved response

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Shropshire FRS, Cleveland Fire Brigade, and County Durham and Darlington FRS have collaborated to implement a new shared Control Room Solution (CRS), as reported by Motorola Solutions.

The CRS integrates workflows from call handling to dispatch, creating a unified response system.

Each control room can operate independently or as part of a collaborative services hub, ensuring scalability during peak demand.

The solution aims to standardise data and processes, enabling control room staff to respond faster and more effectively to incidents.

Enhanced collaboration during emergencies

Jon Pryce, Chief Fire Officer at Hereford and Worcester FRS, highlighted the importance of the control room’s role in emergency response.

He said: “By creating this new multi-agency hub, our four fire services can manage incidents together when they need to, such as in spate conditions, when a control room may need to cover a large amount of incoming 999 calls.”

The shared platform facilitates joint management of high-demand scenarios, maximising staff capabilities and leveraging advanced technology to support frontline responders.

Standardisation to streamline operations

Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland country manager for Motorola Solutions, explained the benefits of the shared infrastructure: “By adopting this innovative approach, fire and rescue services can enhance capabilities, improve service delivery and minimise costs by sharing the same underlying infrastructure.”

The hub solution ensures seamless information exchange during joint operations while increasing scalability to handle varying demand levels, contributing to quicker response times.

Platform features and coverage

The deployment includes an Integrated Communication Control System (ICCS), computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and data recording capabilities.

These features enhance the resilience and effectiveness of incident response across the four FRSs, which collectively operate 77 fire stations and serve a population of 2.5 million.

The CRS will enable fire services to manage incidents collaboratively while maintaining independent operational capabilities.

Four UK fire services adopt shared control room technology: Summary

Hereford and Worcester FRS, Shropshire FRS, Cleveland Fire Brigade, and County Durham and Darlington FRS have introduced a shared Control Room Solution provided by Motorola Solutions.

The platform integrates workflows, standardises data, and supports independent and joint operations across the services.

The solution, featuring ICCS, CAD, and data recording systems, enhances incident response and operational resilience.

Covering 77 fire stations and a population of 2.5 million, the collaboration ensures improved service delivery, scalability, and cost efficiency during emergencies.