Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has made significant progress on a pioneering communications project that promises to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety for the residents of Tyne and Wear.

The new Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System, approved in March 2024, is on track to transform the service by integrating advanced technology, streamlining workflows and enhancing operational capabilities during critical situations.

Awarded to Motorola Solutions UK Ltd, the project will replace the current fire control system that has served the region reliably for the past ten years.

The new Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System is a key part of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024-2027, which was approved by the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority earlier this year.

It reflects the Authority’s commitment to delivering an efficient, effective response and driving continuous improvements that ensure the service meets new challenges and risks that our communities and firefighters face daily.

On Monday 28th October, Tyne and Wear Fire Authority members received an update on the new Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System, outlining the current stages of the project. The report included:

• Replacement 999 telephone line connection
• Control Room Mobilising Solution
• Fire Station, Station End Equipment.
• Appliance Mobile Data Terminals
• Fire Control Room upgrade

Councillor Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, said:

“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.

“Tyne and Wear is proudly recognised nationwide for its rapid response times, and any initiative that supports and builds on this commitment to community well-being represents a significant achievement for the Authority.”

Phil Clark, Area Manager for Mobilising and Digital Transformation at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This project will position Tyne and Wear at the forefront of technology and promises to be a vital asset in enhancing safety and responsiveness.

“Whilst enhancing emergency response capabilities, the new system will allow us to send a link directly to emergency callers, enabling them to stream live video from the incident via their mobile phones.

“This real-time view will help us assess situations more accurately and provide the most effective support in critical moments.”

The new Control Room Mobilising and Resource Management System is expected to go live in the winter of 2025.