Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has strengthened its in‑county fire control room by joining a new shared technology partnership with Norfolk and Hertfordshire Fire Services - giving Suffolk extra capacity during unusually high demand and major incidents, if needed.
Unlike its previous collaboration model with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue, Suffolk’s fire control room remains firmly rooted in the county, using local staff, local knowledge and local decision-making every day. The new “Guardian Hub”, created by Motorola Solutions which provides the fire control systems for all three services, allows 999 calls to be shared instantly between the three services if demand spikes, giving Suffolk additional support at the busiest moments without losing the advantages of having its control room back home.
The cloud-based system links the three control rooms remotely, meaning major incidents, extreme weather and high call volumes can be managed more quickly and effectively across all three counties if needed.
For Suffolk, the hub builds on the progress already made since returning fire control to the county last year. Faster call handling, stronger links with crews and preserved local knowledge remain at the core of our service – now backed up with immediate mutual support during peak demand.
Jon Lacey, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said:
“Major incidents and times when the public need the fire service most can place huge pressure on control rooms.
“This hub gives us extra capacity instantly, without losing the local knowledge and quick decision‑making that comes from having our control room back in Suffolk.”
David Shorland, UK and Ireland Sales Director at Motorola Solutions, said:
“Fire and rescue services are there for their communities, but the pressure they face continues to grow.
“Guardian Hub gives services a better way to connect, coordinate and respond. With agencies doing more with less, we’re delivering a resilient, scalable model to help protect communities.”
