The role of Fire Control
A Fire & Rescue Service control room provides the essential link between handling emergency calls and deploying the appropriate resources to deal with the situation. Fire Control also monitor emergency situations and respond to requests for additional help or services as required.

Being at the hub of an emergency service
As emergencies can occur at any time of the day or night, control room staff provide cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via a locally agreed shift pattern. Most staff work a system of providing both day time and night time cover, although the hours of work vary between Fire & Rescue Services, in some there are opportunities for part-time working and/or job share.

A control operator's role includes:

• Effectively and efficiently handling emergency and administrative calls.
• Obtaining clear and accurate incident details to enable mobilisation of appropriate resources in accordance with Fire & Rescue Service policy.
• Providing appropriate advice to callers.
• Maintaining contact with resources providing information to the incident as required e.g. information regarding hazardous substances.
• Ensuring adequate resources are available to maintain fire and emergency cover.
• Liaising with other fire authorities, services and organisations regarding incidents and their involvement and inform the incident accordingly.
• Obtaining and updating details of resource, appliance and equipment disposition and staffing, ensuring any equipment defects, accidents to vehicles or personnel are reported.
• Testing and maintaining communication and mobilising equipment to ensure operational readiness
• Tracing calls through operator call handling centres and managing mobile phone and other call reduction strategies.
• Supporting national and local initiatives and activities.
• Gathering of statistics and general administrative duties.

What is Fire Control ?
Fire & Rescue Service Control Room staff, receive and record emergency calls from members of the public and other sources. They determine the nearest and most appropriate resources based upon current policy and geographic considerations and then alert and deploy those resources.
Staff are responsible for providing ongoing support in respect of resources and equipment e.g. if additional resources are needed such as specialist equipment, different types of fire tender or key information, the control centre take the requests and provide help as necessary.
Staff work to a locally determined policy, but within a framework of nationally determined pay and conditions.

Becoming a Fire Control operator
Joining a Fire & Rescue Service control centre is a demanding but rewarding opportunity. The eligibility criteria to become a Control operator will vary slightly between regions so you should check with your local Fire & Rescue Service for their exact requirements.

General eligibility requirements

• Basic levels of literacy and numeracy (spell accurately, calculate numbers).
• Ability to receive and record information and act accordingly on this information.
• Keyboard skills - ability to enter accurately into a computer system at a moderate speed (30 words per minute).
• Communication skills - ability to listen attentively and speak clearly so callers or other team members can understand what you are saying.
• Ability to follow instructions to find out necessary information from callers and deal appropriately with the information provided.
• Ability to keep calm and provide guidance and advice over a prolonged period to callers in a stressful situation.
• Ability to work as part of a team, confined to one room for prolonged periods of time with a small group of colleagues.
• Able to co-ordinate receiving information through a headset, entering data on a keyboard and operating foot pedals to use radio equipment - almost simultaneously.
• Ability to multi-task.

Selection process
The actual selection process will vary between Fire & Rescue Services but is likely to include the following:

• Completion of an application form, including named references.
• A basic literacy and numeracy test. This may include listening to information and recording it, either by hand or on a keyboard.
• A keyboard test to check you can enter information accurately and at a reasonable speed - e.g. 30 words per minute.
• Realistic scenario tests - e.g. take a mock fire call, obtain address and incident details and record these accurately.
• Interview
• Medical

For further information, please contact your local Fire & Rescue Service.

Frequently Asked Question's

Q What is the FiReControl project?
A Currently there are 46 fire control rooms in England, based at local fire brigades. The FiReControl project is working to move from the existing system of control rooms into 9 new amalgamated Regional Control Centres.

Q How old do I have to be before I can apply to join ?
A In order to be employed as a Fire Control Operator, you must be at least 18 years old. However some Fire & Rescue Services will accept applications from people approaching their 18th birthday.


Q Do I need any qualifications to become a Fire Control operator ?
A No. However Fire Control Operators must possess a range of personal qualities and attributes and be able to meet a range of selection criteria (including basic levels of literacy, numeracy and ability to keep calm under pressure).
Q Will I have to work shifts?
A Yes. You will work a shift system which includes long nights, weekends and public holidays.

Q How much will I get paid?
A Starting pay (as of 1st July 2009) is £20,099 per annum.

Q What training will I receive?
A Generally you will receive approximately 6 weeks training on day duties. You would then be assigned to a Watch as a supernumary member for a further 6 weeks, however, this period may vary between Fire & Rescue Services. After this period, provided that you have reached the required standards, you will become a full Watch member.

Q Will I wear a uniform?
A Yes. A uniform is provided and must be worn while you are on duty.