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A new mobile Information Unit has been launched by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to reinforce its drive to reduce deaths and injuries through education.

This drive is aimed particularly at children because statistics show them to be particularly vulnerable to fire deaths and injuries – three children have died in fires in West Sussex in the last 12 months.

The Information Unit was a former Incident Command Unit that was used as a control point at major incidents. It was converted by Bognor Regis firefighters and staff at the Service's workshops at Tangmere.

It contains the reconstruction of a fire in a child's bedroom and an interactive area with computers, including the innovative STAYWISE website.

Trevor Pilcher , Director of Community Protection, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Children will be shown the bedroom fire scene and discuss the dangers with firefighters and community fire safety officers through questions and answers and role-play.

"The interactive computer software is a really great way to get through to children and help with their learning.

"The Unit will be touring schools, fetes, open days and other events to promote fire safety and any other safety issues that are part of the Service's wider role in the community.

"It will also be used as a mobile post-incident information centre to discuss issues with communities following serious incidents."

The Unit was formally launched at Boxgrove Church of England School near Chichester, on Friday, July 1 by County Councillor Clem Stevens , Deputy County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection.

He said: "The Unit will be a vital communication link between the Fire and Rescue Service and the wider community.

"Some people are reluctant to approach the emergency services. If they won't come to us we will go to them, giving advice on what we can do to make them safer.

"It will enable fire safety experts from our Fire and Rescue Service to reach distant and rural communities that were traditionally hard to reach."

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "Going out into the community and actively promoting fire safety is now a key priority for the Fire and Rescue Service.

"This eye-catching, state-of-the-art Unit – with its range of hi tech facilities, plus attention-grabbing displays – will play a key role as our firefighters strive to meet their overall aim to make West Sussex a safer place to live and work in.

"It will, I am sure, be a popular attraction as it tours our county, giving out valuable information to all ages."

The eye-catching vehicle is also available to hire, complete with a crew of two, and can be adapted to help launch specific localised campaigns. Its other features include:

• A large plasma screen that can be used inside or outside to show videos, DVDs and other display material.
  
• A PA system for addressing crowds.
• An awning to provide space for additional display material

"The Unit is non-profit making, which we hope will encourage the partners we work with to make full use of it," said Trevor Pilcher.