Tyne and Wear Fire Service advances with new control room communications project
Iain Hoey
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Tyne and Wear to adopt advanced technology for emergency responses
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is progressing on a newly approved Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System, expected to improve emergency response capabilities and enhance safety for residents across the Tyne and Wear region.
As reported by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, the project, initially approved in March 2024, includes integrating advanced technology to replace the current fire control system, which has operated successfully for a decade.
Awarded to Motorola Solutions UK Ltd, the new system is designed to streamline workflows and enhance operational capabilities during emergencies.
New control room system aligns with community safety plan
The updated system forms a key component of the TWFRS Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024-2027, approved earlier this year by the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority.
This plan outlines the Fire Authority’s commitment to ongoing improvement in emergency response efficiency, as well as meeting the evolving risks faced by communities and firefighters.
On 28 October, Tyne and Wear Fire Authority members reviewed the project’s progress, which includes upgrades to the 999 telephone line, a mobilising solution, station-end equipment, appliance data terminals, and the control room itself.
Local leadership highlights technology’s role in safety
Councillor Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, commented on the project’s advancements: “The Fire Authority commended the report outlining the impressive progress in implementing the Fire Service’s new communications system, a crucial enhancement aimed at protecting residents and advancing firefighter safety.”
He noted that Tyne and Wear’s rapid response times are recognised nationwide, with this system supporting that commitment to community safety.
System upgrade to support real-time incident response
Phil Clark, Area Manager for Mobilising and Digital Transformation at TWFRS, shared insights into how the new system will improve on-the-ground safety: “This project will position Tyne and Wear at the forefront of technology and promises to be a vital asset in enhancing safety and responsiveness.”
Clark explained that the system will also enable direct video streaming from emergency callers’ mobile phones, allowing TWFRS to gain real-time visuals of incidents to better assess situations and provide targeted support.
Tyne and Wear Fire Service unveils advanced emergency response system: Summary
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is progressing on the Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System to enhance emergency response and community safety.
Approved in March 2024, this project, managed by Motorola Solutions UK Ltd, replaces the current fire control system.
It includes updates in phone line connections, control room solutions, and data terminals for emergency vehicles.
Integrated within the 2024-2027 Community Risk Management Plan, this system represents TWFRS’s commitment to ongoing improvements in emergency response.
The project is expected to be operational by winter 2025, with local leaders emphasising the importance of the system in maintaining the region’s rapid response reputation and enabling real-time video assessments from emergency scenes.
