Dorset Fire & Rescue Service

Dorset Fire Authority (DFA) became responsible for Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) on 1 April 1997 following Local Government Reorganisation. Under Statutory Instrument 1996 No.2920, The Dorset Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1996, Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole combined to form the Dorset Fire Authority. The Authority is responsible for the provision of fire and rescue services under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. The Authority consists of 15 Members appointed by the three constituent authorities. The proportion of Members is on the basis of the numbers of electors in each of the constituent areas. The Fire Authority's statutory core functions come from the Fire & Rescue Services Act 2004 which was enacted on 1 October. They are making provision for: promoting fire safety in its area extinguishing fires and protecting life and property from fire dealing with road traffic accidents and the rescue of persons trapped dealing with other types of emergencies as designated by order from the Secretary of State.