PREVENTING fires and reducing deaths are two of the key aims for the future of the fire service in Cumbria.

Two documents out for public consultation, which will shape the future for the fire service, show that work is continuing to make communities across the county safer, and to cut the number of deaths and injuries as well as damage to property, environment and the community.

The public consultation is all part of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's modernisation.

Many of the changes introduced so far have had a significant effect on the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire with a steady downward trend over the last five years.

County coun Geoff Hodgson, spokesperson for the fire and rescue service, said: "Alongside reducing the number of fires within Cumbria, the fire and rescue service is working with many partners to reduce road traffic accidents, improve the communities we live in, and mitigate the possible effects of flooding and terrorism."

Cumbria's chief fire officer Bernard Dolan said listening to options given by the general public would help the fire service to develop the service appropriately.

The next four years are likely to produce the most significant change for several decades within the fire and rescue service.

Copies of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's third draft Integrated Risk Management Plan will be available at all libraries (including mobile libraries) throughout the county. An electronic version will be available online at www.cumbriacc.gov.uk/ fireservice.

The consultation process will be open until December 24.