FIRE chiefs are urging people to help shape the future of the service by speaking out during its biggest-ever consultation programme.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade is embarking on a modernisation plan which aims to improve its services.

As part of this, it will begin a public consultation exercise next Tuesday when the draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) is published.

The Government has told each Fire Authority to produce an IRMP that will lead to increased community safety and the more "productive use of resources".

It sets out broad new roles for the service, including tackling not only fires, but other emergency incidents.

Brian Tregunna, the brigade's deputy chief fire officer, who is leading the production of the plan and the three-month public consultation exercise, said: "The focus will be very much upon preventative measures that will reduce fires and other emergencies, save lives and reduce injuries and loss.

"A fundamental principle at the heart of 'integrated risk management' is a shift from the historic provision of fire cover arrangements, to a future provision that will concentrate more upon the saving of lives.

"This will require a move from our traditional reliance upon pre-set national guidelines to locally determined standards."

Fundamental to the modernisation agenda will be changes to work patterns for firefighters who will be offered voluntary overtime, flexible working and part-time hours.

A draft IRMP has been produced and will be considered at a public meeting of the Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, next Tuesday at 2pm.