Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service serves a resident population of 1.08 million divided amongst the two metropolitan local authorities of Newcastle  and Sunderland and the three Metropolitan Boroughs of Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside situated in the North East of England. The population density of the area is comparable to that of other Metropolitan areas (Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, West Midlands and West Yorkshire), and accounts for 43% of the North East’s population in just six percent of the total land area.

The area covered by the Service covers an area of 540 square kilometres and borders with Counties of Durham to the South and Northumberland to the North. By road, Tyne & Wear is around 451 km North from London and 175 km South from Edinburgh.

In addition to Tyne and Wears two major cities, the area boasts two large football stadiums, numerous museums and art galleries, three universities and a number of higher education colleges. The County has a range of well-developed transport links including the Metro light railway system, the UK’s tenth busiest International airport, an International ferry terminal and Newcastle Central railway station which acts as a major staging point on the Great North Eastern Railway and Cross Country networks.

The Service area spans two divisions, North and South, with 18 stations covering 540 square kilometres and 1.08 million citizens. Both divisions come under the control of an Area Manager Service Delivery, with each having its own Fire Safety Department to ensure that Fire Safety measures are maintained to the required standard.

At station level, operational personnel are divided into four shifts or watches (Red, White, Blue, Green) each controlled by a Watch Manager. The Watch Manager is responsible to the District Officer. The number and type of appliances designated to that station dictate the number of people on a watch.