Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service facts for kids
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| Operational area | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Scotland |
| Region | Strathclyde |
| Agency overview | |
| Established | 1975 (merger) |
| Employees | 3,683 |
| Chief Fire Officer | Brian P. Sweeney |
| Facilities and equipment | |
| Stations | 111 |
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue was a very important fire and rescue service in Scotland. It operated from 1975 until 2013. This service covered the large area of Strathclyde.
It was the biggest fire and rescue service in Scotland. It was also one of the largest in all of Europe. Its area included busy cities like Glasgow. It also covered quiet countryside and islands. In April 2013, it joined with other services. They all became part of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Contents
History of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue
How the Service Started
The Strathclyde Fire Brigade began in 1975. Before this, local councils managed fire services. Then, a new council called Strathclyde Regional Council took over. They became responsible for fire services.
In 1996, the Strathclyde Regional Council was closed down. New local councils were created. These new councils decided to keep the fire service working just as it was.
Name Change and New Focus
In 2005, the service changed its name. It became Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. This new name showed that they did more than just fight fires. They also helped with many other types of emergencies.
That same year, a book was released. It was called Everyday Heroes. This book shared stories about the work of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. It covered their efforts over 30 years.
Joining Forces in 2013
On April 1, 2013, a big change happened. Strathclyde Fire & Rescue joined with seven other fire services in Scotland. They all became one new service. This new service is called the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Before 2013, Scotland had eight separate fire services. This system had been in place since 1975. The new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has its main office in Perth.
Firefighting Vehicles and Equipment
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue had more than 200 special vehicles. These vehicles are called appliances. They included many different types of trucks.
Some were Rescue Pumps, which carry water and equipment. Others were Aerial Rescue Pumps (ARPs) with ladders. They also had Heavy Rescue Vehicles for big accidents. Technical Support Units and Major Incident Units helped with complex situations. Water Rescue Units were used for emergencies in rivers or lochs.
Some stations had volunteers. These stations had Volunteer Support Units.
Fire Stations Across the Region
The service operated 111 fire stations. These stations were spread out. They covered all the different areas of Strathclyde.
The stations included:
- Full-time stations: These had firefighters working all the time.
- Retained stations: These had firefighters who were on call. They would come to the station when needed.
- Volunteer stations: These were run by local volunteers.
Scotland's Fire Services: 1975-2013
From 1975 to 2013, Scotland had eight main fire services. They were originally known as fire brigades. On April 1, 2013, all of them merged. They formed the single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The eight services were:
- Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service
- Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service
- Fife Fire and Rescue Service
- Grampian Fire and Rescue Service
- Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service
- Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service
- Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service
- Tayside Fire and Rescue Service
The same areas were also used for police forces. These police forces also merged on April 1, 2013. They became Police Scotland.
Images for kids
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Scania Aerial Rescue Pump
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Scania Rescue Pump
See also
- Blues and twos
- Fire Services in Scotland
- FiReControl
- Fire apparatus
- Fire engine
- Fire
- Fire Museum
- Fire and Rescue Authority (Scotland)
