HazMat Units/Callsigns
Dear London Fire Commissioner (London Fire Brigade),
From what I understand, there is no dedicated 'HazMat Unit' in the Fire Brigade. From my research, I have found Incident Response Units and Mass Decontamination Response Vehicles are the closest vehicles to it. Upon looking at the Oct19 fleet list, IRUs/MDRVs are not listed, and on another FOI request, their callsigns were listed as n/a.
I would like to request example callsign for IRUs and MDRVs with an explanation of the callsign if there is one. For instance:
An FRU at Soho would take the callsign A246. A24 is the station code, and FRUs normally take the '6' callsign for the station.
If possible, I'd love to know what other resources could attend a HazMat incident, with the same example callsign/explanation.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Walters
Dear Alex,
Thank you for your request.
This will be considered under the Data Protection Act (DPA) and we will respond as soon as we are able. Please note, given the current situation with the Coronavirus, this may be outside of the normal, expected timeframe for a SAR response.
Thank you for your patience, with kind regards
Tavell
Tavell Carter
Information Access
London Fire Brigade
169 Union Street London SE1 0LL
T 020 8555 1200 x 30314
E [email address]
london-fire.gov.uk
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London Fire Brigade
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Dear Alex,
Thank you for your request, apologies for the typo within the last email.
This will be considered under the Freedom on Information Act (FOIA) and we will respond as soon as we are able. Please note, given the current situation with the Coronavirus, this may be outside of the normal, expected timeframe for a FOI response.
Thank you for your patience, with kind regards
Tavell
Tavell Carter
Information Access
London Fire Brigade
169 Union Street London SE1 0LL
T 020 8555 1200 x 30314
E [email address]
london-fire.gov.uk
If you think that this e-mail might not be intended for you please delete it immediately and contact me.
London Fire Brigade
For advice about how to stay safe from fire and other emergencies, please go to london-fire.gov.uk/Safety
The information in this email may contain confidential or privileged materials. Please read the full email disclaimer notice at london-fire.gov.uk/EmailDisclaimer
The Brigade is committed to using personal data in a responsible and transparent way. To find out more visit london-fire.gov.uk/privacy
Dear Alex,
Thank you for your Freedom of Information (FOI) request, received on 12 April 2020, in relation to the LFB HazMat response capability.
Please accept my apologies for the delay in response, I have responded to your queries in turn below:
1. I would like to request example callsign for IRUs and MDRVs with an explanation of the callsign if there is one. For instance: An FRU at Soho would take the callsign A246. A24 is the station code, and FRUs normally take the '6' callsign for the station.
The LFB do not call their HazMat response vehicles IRUs or MDRVs. The LFB have range of response capabilities to deal with Hazardous Material incidents. These include Fire Rescue Units (HazMat) fire engines (FRU) and the Rapid Response Teams.
Fire Rescue Units (FRU) vehicles are listed on the published LFB fleet list, which can be accessed through the following link: https://data.london.gov.uk/download/lond...
FRUs are usually identified by a call sign ending in the number six.
We do not typically provide a more detailed breakdown of call signs as this would show where the LFB vehicle is located. Unfortunately, LFV vehicles can be targeted for theft therefore, I would consider providing any further details about where these appliances are based exempt from disclosure under the FOI act under section 31(1)(a) - Law enforcement. Section 31 is a qualified exemption and I must consider the public interests for and against disclosure. It is sadly the case that fire stations and appliances are targets for crime and the loss of equipment prevents the LFB from carrying out its public safety duties. I am therefore of the view that it is in the public interest not to disclose information at the detailed level you have requested.
2. If possible, I'd love to know what other resources could attend a HazMat incident, with the same example callsign/explanation.
The LFB have a team of a team of HMEPOs, specialist managers who respond and advise incident commanders on these types of incidents. Further information about the LFB hazardous material response capability can be found on the LFB website, via the following link: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/about-us/...
I hope you find this information of use. Should you have any further questions please do let me know.
This request has been dealt with under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If you are dissatisfied by this response you can request an internal review by writing to the Head of Information Management at the address below (or email [email address]).
Further information about your information rights (including how to raise a concern or make a complaint) is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office on their website at www.ico.org.uk or by writing to them at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.
Kind regards,
Zoe
Zoe Hughes
Information Access
London Fire Brigade
169 Union Street London SE1 0LL
T 0208555 1200 x31075
E [email address]
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