Representation by Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service)
- Date submitted
- 19 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Feedback Provided by Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service on the London Luton Airport Expansion The expansion of London Luton Airport LLA could potentially have an impact on Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Here are areas for consideration: • An increased demand for emergency services: With the expansion of LLA, there is likely to be an increase in air traffic, passenger numbers and infrastructure. This could lead to an increase in the numbers of incidents requiring emergency response, including aircraft emergencies, fires and other incidents on the airport premises. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) may need to allocate additional resources or alter its existing capabilities to handle the increased demand for emergency services. • Airport specific training and equipment: The expansion of LLA may necessitate further specialised training and equipment for BFRS. Airport operations have unique challenges, such as aircraft fires, fuel spills, hazardous materials and the threat of marauder terrorist attacks. BFRS would need to ensure that their personnel continue to be trained and equipped to handle these specific scenarios effectively. • Mutual aid agreement: BFRS will need to strengthen its mutual aid agreements with the LLA Fire and Rescue Service. In the event of a major incident at the expanded LLA, additional resources may be required to manage these emergencies effectively. Any revised mutual aid agreement must ensure an adequate response capability that support all partnership responders. • Infrastructure planning: The expansion of LLA will involve the construction of new buildings, runways and other infrastructure. BFRS will need to continue to work closely with the airport authorities and local planning departments to ensure that adequate fire safety measures are incorporated into the design and construction of new structures. This may involve reviewing fire safety plans, conducting inspections and providing recommendations to mitigate potential risk. It is important that this is continually considered and reviewed during all phases of any expansion. • Traffic management: The increased passenger and cargo traffic associated with the airport expansion may have implications for traffic management in the surrounding areas of Luton and more specifically Stopsley. BFRS may need to coordinate with other agencies such as the police and transportation authorities to ensure efficient emergency response times to all areas of the new expanded LLA. • Economic benefits: The LLA expansion will bring economic benefits to the County, more specifically Luton. Increased employment opportunities and revenue generation may lead to increased tax revenues, helping authorities such as BFRS to support its diverse communities and ensuring people remain safe. It is important to note that the specific impact on BFRS would depend on the scale and nature of the airport expansion. Global ambitions to move towards a “lower carbon footprint” will mean BFRS will need to continually review its resources and their deployment to ensure it keeps “pace” with any new risks foreseen. BFRS is committed to engaging in detailed planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure they are adequately prepared to respond to emergencies at the expanded LLA. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on behalf of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.