Help shape the future standards of our Fire and Rescue Service

A public consultation has been launched to gather feedback on the policy principles to inform updating the legislation framework for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service (IOMFRS).

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.

This is a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) commitment, as part of the Island Plan, to update legislation to better support our fire and rescue service, by introducing a new Fire Services Bill and Fire Safety Bill.

The public are now asked for their views on the principles to help shape how these new Bills would work in practice.

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. 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 +44 1624 647300.

The consultation will be open until 2 January 2025.