Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service upgrades control room technology in the UK
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service deploys new cloud-hosted system
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has announced the implementation of a cloud-hosted Control Room Solution (CRS) developed by Motorola Solutions.
The new system is expected to improve emergency response capabilities through enhanced digitalisation and streamlined workflows.
As reported by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, this update will assist in managing critical situations such as flooding and wildfires, both of which have increased in frequency across the UK in recent years.
Benefits of digital transformation for emergency response
Phil Clark, Area Manager for mobilising and digital transformation at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said the investment would help the service continue its mission of creating safer communities.
He stated: “We are amongst the fastest responding fire and rescue services in the UK for dwelling fires with an average response time of 5 minutes 58 seconds.”
Clark added that the new system will also enable other fire and rescue services to join in, allowing for seamless information sharing and enhanced cooperation during joint operations.
Unified communications through Motorola’s platform
The cloud-hosted CRS includes Motorola Solutions’ CommandCentral Evidence software, which will allow for secure handling of control room voice recordings and the unification of critical communications in a single platform.
This integration will provide Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service with the ability to respond more efficiently to a variety of incidents, ranging from fires to road traffic collisions and civil emergencies.
According to Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland country manager at Motorola Solutions, the CRS offers “an intuitive and unified response system that integrates all communications into one efficient and resilient work environment.”
The browser-based platform also allows staff to access the control room remotely, ensuring flexibility in operations.
Community impact and operational vision
The service operates 17 community fire stations across Northeast England, serving over 1.1 million people daily.
In addition to emergency responses, the service delivers fire safety advice to residents and businesses, and carries out various rescue operations including water and structural rescues.
Area Manager Clark emphasised the importance of the new technology in achieving their operational goals: “Our relationship with Motorola Solutions will enable us to realise and deliver our operational vision, which will ultimately help to save lives.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service upgrades control room technology in the UK: Summary
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has implemented a cloud-hosted Control Room Solution (CRS) from Motorola Solutions, aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The system integrates digital workflows and unifies communications, enabling faster responses to incidents such as fires, floods, and road traffic collisions.
The service, which operates 17 fire stations in Northeast England, will also offer other fire and rescue services the opportunity to join the new system.
Phil Clark, Area Manager, highlighted the system’s role in improving scalability and cooperation during joint operations.
Motorola Solutions’ software will allow secure handling of communications, accessible remotely via a browser-based platform, ensuring flexibility in emergency management.
