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Charges made for some services, fire reports and GDPR

We respond to a wide variety of emergencies, including serious flooding and dealing with the aftermath of terrorism. Some of our services may incur a charge.

The Fire Services Act 2004 requires promotion of fire safety (known as community safety), in addition to the provision for fire fighting purposes.

In Suffolk, this type of community safety is just one part of a wider strategy, which also includes attendance at road traffic collisions.

The Act also provides express powers to respond to other emergencies. An emergency incident other than a fire is known as a special service. 

There are some special services which are chargeable.

Emergency non-chargeable special services

Examples where there is an immediate threat to life or injury include:

  • attendance at road traffic collisions
  • freeing trapped people or animals
  • effecting entry to tackle a fire or save a life

Chargeable special services

Examples of services undertaken by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service but which could be performed by other agencies include:

  • if you or anyone else is stuck in a lift
  • if you are locked out of your car or premises/property
  • effecting entry (no life or fire risk)
  • attendance at chemical/hazardous material incident on private property (other than domestic properties) if there is no life risk

Fire Reports

Fire Damage Reports can be requested by insurance companies to assist with damage claims. You can find charges relating to this on the Scale of Charges. 

GDPR

Every incident the Fire Service attends is reported to the Home Office for research and statistical purposes. Some of the information included is personal and sensitive, so the Home Office is responsible for ensuring that all data is processed in line with Data Protection Legislation.

Find further details about this on the Privacy Notice for individuals who have accessed fire and rescue services (Word, 242KB).