Fire prevention will be the major new influence

Many of the changes are said to be a recognition of how the work of fire brigades has evolved over that time.

However, the study also noted that the number of fires over the last 20 years has changed little.

The report says: "It is a matter of concern that developments in fire fighting technology, improved training, and continued research into fire hazards have not achieved the significant reductions in deaths resulting from fire or the immense damage caused, which we might reasonably have expected.

People-driven

"This is not a reflection on the fire service whose exceptional qualities and values are recognised and need to be maintained.

"We want to build on the past, but do not intend to let the past direct the future as we seek to improve the service and make best use of resources."

The role of the fire-fighter has undergone immense change in the last 50 years

Jim Wallace Justice Minister

The report recommends that prevention - "community fire safety work" - becomes a legal duty for the service, and that it should work more closely with the private sector, and with young people.

The present call-out system, in which brigades aim to get a predetermined number of appliances to differently-rated zones within set time limits, is too property-based, taking little account of people and their activities, said the paper.

Instead there should be more emphasis on "risk assessment".

Wide variation

Although fire brigades are under no legal requirement to provide "special services", all will respond to traffic accidents, rescues from sewers and silos, incidents involving hazardous materials, and animals in distress.

But beyond that there is wide variation between brigades on what they will respond to, and the paper calls for consistent national standards.

Jim Wallace: "Immense change"

On managerial and organisation matters, the report says: "The task of modernising cannot be underestimated.

"There is a need to review a range of cultural and leadership matters."

It also calls for some specialist equipment to be held centrally, and for more centralisation of other functions like finance, purchasing and human resources - although, it says, the delivery of services would continue to be locally-based.

Justice Minister Jim Wallace said: "The role of the fire-fighter has undergone immense change in the last 50 years.

"Fire-fighters now attend more road accidents, severe weather incidents and non fire-related calls than ever before.

"This is why it is vital we recognise this change to ensure we can continue to provide them with the best training, equipment and skills to save lives."