(1)A fire and rescue authority must, so far as practicable, enter into a reinforcement scheme with other fire and rescue authorities.
(2)A reinforcement scheme is a scheme for securing mutual assistance as between fire and rescue authorities for the purpose of discharging the functions conferred under section 7, 8 or 9 on any of the authorities participating in the scheme.
(3)A reinforcement scheme may make provision for apportioning between the authorities participating in the scheme any expenses incurred in taking measures to secure the efficient operation of the scheme.
(4)The fire and rescue authorities participating in a reinforcement scheme must notify the Secretary of State of—
(a)the making of the scheme;
(b)the variation of the scheme;
(c)the revocation of the scheme.
(5)The fire and rescue authorities participating in a reinforcement scheme must give effect to it.