Fire and rescue service 999 calls from across Kent and Medway are now being answered from a new dedicated control room, where there’s space for more people to join the team.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has relocated its control room to Kent Police’s Coldharbour site in Aylesford, having previously been based at the force’s headquarters in Sutton Road, Maidstone, for almost 12 years.

The move has given the crew a larger area with enhanced technology and equipment to respond to emergency calls, including a separate major incident and training room, and a multi-display screen with access to traffic and public surveillance cameras, which will help operators to have a better understanding of an incident and keep firefighters informed.  

Julie James, KFRS’ Station Manager for Control, said: “Our main aim is always to provide immediate help and support to people who need us, and this new control room enables our team to be more proficient and dynamic when dealing with the different types of emergencies we’re called to attend.

“It was also really important for us to still be based near our colleagues at Kent Police, which is a great benefit for when we need to work in close partnership.”

Now the team has settled into its new home at Coldharbour, KFRS is looking for new control operators to join the crew.

Operators are the first line of support for members of the public who may be in a distressing situation and are the bridge between KFRS and partner agencies.

They gather vital information to mobilise firefighters, fire engines, and other specialist resources to a wide range of incidents across the county, while providing reassurance and emotional support to callers, and giving important updates to crews.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 24th March 2024.