The latest government plans for a national radio system for fire and rescue services will lead to a serious backward step for some brigades, warn senior members of the fire service.

Larger brigades have voice and data communication systems integrated with the sophisticated command and control software used to manage incidents. But under proposals from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), they will be forced to downgrade to less functional systems operating in parallel, as part of a two-phase implementation strategy.

Senior fire service sources told Computing the plan is 'completely mad' and 'a dog's breakfast'.

The problems stem from the lack of co-ordination between the Firelink radio procurement and the related FireControl project to streamline 53 local control rooms into nine regional centres. Both projects have been delayed (Computing, 13 January).

Integrating Firelink into local control rooms that are due to be scrapped will cost too much. So until the new regional centres are up and running, Firelink will only provide an interim service.

Voice calls will run over the new infrastructure but will not be integrated. Data traffic will stay on existing systems.

For smaller brigades, the interim technology may be on a par with current arrangements. But larger, metropolitan areas face considerable risks, sources claim.

'It would probably require brigades to change the way they operate their control rooms,' said one insider.

'To provide voice on the new infrastructure and data on the old one is completely mad. For bigger, more technical brigades, this is a significant step backwards in terms of our ability to function.'

Sources close to the project claim the plan is motivated by the ODPM's fears that more delays in the Firelink procurement - already running for six years - could cause the deal to fall apart.

'They are terrified Firelink will collapse before FireControl is in place and leave them with regional control rooms with no radios,' said a source. A spokeswoman for the ODPM said that there are no delays with either project and no changes in strategy regarding the rollout of Firelink. Both will be implemented on time, she said.

A spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union said: 'No one in the fire service believes the ODPM can do this.'