(1)The Secretary of State may by order confer on a fire and rescue authority functions relating to emergencies, other than fires and road traffic accidents in relation to which the authority has functions under section 7 or 8.
(2)An order under this section may require functions conferred on a fire and rescue authority under this section to be discharged outside the authority’s area.
(3)An order under this section may make provision as to what a fire and rescue authority must or may do for the purpose of a function conferred under this section, and may in particular require or authorise a fire and rescue authority—
(a)to secure the provision of personnel, services and equipment;
(b)to secure the provision of training for personnel;
(c)to make arrangements for dealing with calls for help and for summoning personnel;
(d)to make arrangements for obtaining information needed for the purpose of discharging the function;
(e)to make arrangements for ensuring that reasonable steps are taken to prevent or limit damage to property resulting from discharging the function.
(4)An order under this section may confer a function, including a function of providing particular equipment, on a particular authority.
(5)Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult any persons he considers appropriate.