The primary function of a Firefighter (Control) is to act as a link between the public and operational firefighters on the 50 fire stations throughout the Service area, together with the various senior officers and sections within the organisation.
Firefighters (Control) will answer emergency calls, mobilise resources, align procedures, identify best practice and demonstrate operational efficiencies and effectiveness. They have direct contact with other emergency services and agencies, the use of a radio system and a computer-aided mobilisation system to the fire stations.
Dorset & Wiltshire works within a Network Fire Services Partnership (NFSP) with Devon & Somerset and Hampshire & Isle of Wight. Kent Fire & Rescue Service will be joining the partnership in 2027/28. This provides resilience to the other Services in the partnership and allows mobilisation of any resources within that partnership by any of the partner Controls.
Emergency situations mean that the person making the emergency call can be in a distressed state, which often means that the Firefighter (Control) must remain calm and show sympathy, tact and understanding to obtain the essential information that the Service needs. This includes being able to pass life-saving Fire Survival Guidance to callers that are unable to leave their property due to fire and/or smoke. Click here to find out more about what happens when a call comes in.
As we frequently deal with life and death situations, there is a need for constant monitoring and updating of systems and information. This falls within the remit of the Firefighter (Control) in the form of daily testing of communication equipment, identifying faults and informing appropriate officers and other agencies, and the constant updating of the various databases used within the Control room environment.
The Control team is split into four Watches (Red, Blue, Green, and White) and cover is required 24 hours a day, every day of the year, achieved by four Watches on a rotating shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week. This is covered by staff working two consecutive days (8am to 6pm), followed by two consecutive nights (6pm to 8am), and four days off. This includes weekends and bank holidays.
All Firefighters (Control) are trained to a very high standard and will be required to complete an intensive initial training course before joining a Watch.
This role map outlines the varied responsibilities and duties expected of a Firefighter (Control).