The functions of fire and rescue authorities and joint fire and rescue boards (together defined as “relevant authorities” in section 6 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 5) (“the 2005 Act”)) are set out in sections 8 to 11 of the 2005 Act.

This Order specifies those additional functions relating to emergencies which are to be conferred on relevant authorities. The authorities specified for the purposes of this Order are relevant authorities. In particular, it confers functions on relevant authorities in relation to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents, search and rescue, serious flooding, and serious transport incidents. Where a relevant authority has specialist resources available to it, including specialist trained personnel, that enable it to discharge its functions under this Order in relation to a particular type of emergency, article 7 requires the authority to use those resources outwith its own area in response to a request for assistance from another authority where that type of emergency arises. Article 8 stipulates what provision relevant authorities must make for the specified emergency situations.