Dave Curry will take over from the current Chief John Bonney, who is stepping down from his role after a decade in the top job.

Curry is the existing Deputy Chief Officer and will formally take over as Chief on 1 January 2015. He commented: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chief Officer for Hampshire. It is a position that I know carries great responsibility, as our Service strives to make life safer for every resident living in the county.

“Stepping into the shoes of someone as respected and admired as John will be a tough challenge, but I am confident I can bring a fresh perspective and insight to the role."

He added: "There is no doubt I take on the job at a time of great change in the fire service but I am looking forward immensely to the challenge of ensuring we continue to supply an exemplary service to our communities and to leading such a great organisation."

John Bonney will retire on 31 December 2014, after more than 10 years in the job.

Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.