A public consultation has been launched on proposals to update the legislation framework for the Fire and Rescue Service.
It asks for opinions on the importance of different services that the IOMFRS does, or could, provide, as well as acceptable response times, fire safety standards and legal frameworks.
The Fire Services Bill questions ask for feedback on the expected operations of the IOMFRS, including services such as firefighting, road traffic collisions, rescues, chemical spill response, off-road ambulance services, animal rescues, and lift rescues.
Charges
The consultation makes clear that core callouts to genuine 999 incidents will not be charged for, instead it wants to look at the other instances where the Fire Service becomes involved and whether some of them could be billed for.
It says: “Where attendance could have been avoided through negligence, deliberate or reckless acts or poor systems of work, or requesting a service that could be supplied by another provider, the Department believes that it is appropriate for the FRS to levy a charge to cover the inappropriate use of FRS assets.”
Denying the move could be used as a revenue raiser, the government say this would provide a “mechanism to ensure that the island’s limited FRS resources remain ready and available for the reason they exist and are not misused”.
Such instances that could be charged for include unnecessary false alarm call outs, some instances of domestic plumbing incidents leading to flooding and controlled burnings getting out of hand.
Training
It also addresses service charges, risk management, and training requirements.
The Fire Safety Bill questions focus on which properties should be subject to fire safety law, such as hotels, licensed premises and care homes. It includes considerations for inspection requirements, certification, training levels, responsibilities and transitional periods.
Responses can be submitted online through the consultation hub, or paper copies can be requested by emailing iomfire@gov.im or calling (01624) 647300.
The consultation will be open until January 2.
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