Suffolk Fire and Rescue launches new fire control room
Iain Hoey
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New fire control room begins operations in Suffolk
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new fire control room in Ipswich, aimed at strengthening emergency call handling and response across the county.
According to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, the facility was completed within 18 months and replaces a legacy system that had been deemed unreliable.
The control room includes cloud-based technologies designed to improve call management, data handling and regional collaboration.
It was developed in partnership with Motorola Solutions and will serve as part of a wider control hub with fire services in Hertfordshire and Norfolk.
Suffolk County Council said the project involved creating a new contact centre, hiring a new team and implementing locally configured systems tailored to Suffolk’s needs.
Regional collaboration and resilience features introduced
The control room forms part of a tri-service network linking Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Norfolk fire services.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service stated that this network will support mutual assistance across the three counties, particularly during peak demand such as periods of high call volumes or major incidents.
The service added that the new system is designed to enable improved management of large-scale emergencies, including floods and wildfires.
It also includes the ability for control staff to securely access systems remotely, supporting mobile command centres and flexible staffing arrangements.
According to the fire service, recorded data and incident logs will now be stored and organised more efficiently, improving the accuracy and traceability of emergency response data.
Council outlines reasons for investment
Suffolk County Council confirmed the decision to build a new fire control room was made in 2023 due to reliability concerns with the previous setup.
The council explained that the earlier system no longer provided sufficient resilience and could not guarantee continued effective service delivery.
The investment formed part of a wider strategy to bring fire control capabilities back into Suffolk and ensure future readiness.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Protection at Suffolk County Council, said:
“This is an incredible achievement – it demonstrates our commitment to innovation and protecting Suffolk’s residents with the very best emergency response services.
“Delivering this in just 18 months is a testament to what’s possible when teams collaborate with a clear vision and shared purpose.”
Technology provided by Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions was selected to deliver the core dispatch and communications systems for the new control room.
The company’s Guardian Suite software underpins the cloud-enabled system, which supports call handling, dispatch, and integrated communications.
Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland Country Manager at Motorola Solutions, said:
“Demand on the fire and rescue service has evolved over the years.
“Our cloud-hosted Guardian Suite of computer-aided dispatch and integrated communication control system software benefits the three fire and rescue services by bringing all communications together into a robust and efficient environment, supporting faster, more coordinated emergency responses.”
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“This project is about making sure every call for help is answered with speed, precision, and care. Bringing services back into the county was a decisive move to put Suffolk’s residents and public value at the heart of emergency response.
“The new control room features advanced dispatch technology, upgraded communications systems, and enhanced data sharing capabilities – ensuring faster, smarter coordination during emergencies.
“I’m immensely proud of everyone who played a part in delivering this project successfully.”
Fire Minister welcomes service upgrade
Alex Norris, Minister for Fire, said:
“This new control room marks a major step forward for fire and rescue in Suffolk, improving the effectiveness and co-ordination of emergency responses across the county.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in delivering this project. It is a clear example of how investment and innovation in our fire services can lead to meaningful improvements in public safety.”
The minister joined council and service representatives for an official ceremony in Ipswich to mark the launch of the control room.
A plaque was unveiled as part of the event, which included attendance from emergency services partners and local officials.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue launches new fire control room: Summary
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has opened a new fire control room in Ipswich.
The launch was reported by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
The project was completed in 18 months.
The facility includes cloud-enabled technology provided by Motorola Solutions.
The control room replaces a previous system deemed no longer reliable.
It enables remote access, improved data handling, and regional collaboration.
The system is part of a tri-service hub with Hertfordshire and Norfolk.
Councillor Steve Wiles said the delivery showed effective team collaboration.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said the system supports faster, smarter emergency response.
Fergus Mayne said the Guardian Suite enables integrated communication and dispatch.
Fire Minister Alex Norris said the new control room improves emergency response in Suffolk.
The launch event took place in Ipswich with partners and local officials.
