Wales links up fire and rescue control

The Welsh Government has linked up the country's three fire and rescue command and control rooms to enable them to provide mutual support. Carl Sargeant, the minister for local government communities, announced the conclusion of the £2m programme that has brought together the centres at St Asaph, Carmarthen and Llantrisant. He said it was a first for the UK and has attracted interest from fire and rescue services in England and Scotland. "Linking the fire and rescue control centres across Wales is a welcome step in the right direction," he said. "It will significantly improve their ability to offer a first class emergency service to the Welsh public." A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government told GGC that calls for the centres will be automatically transferred to another if there is a system failure or heavy demand. Fortek, a specialist in command and control systems, was the primary technology partner in the programme, which has utilised the Firelink radio system for fire services. The spokeswoman said the government is now in the early stages of linking the control rooms with other blue light services. The one in St Asaph already has connecting with the centres for police and ambulance in north Wales.