The Authority is responsible for carrying out the duties required by the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

These include:
• Promoting community fire safety in its area - through education or
practical steps such as fitting smoke alarms.
• Firefighting and protecting life and property.
• Rescuing people from road traffic collisions.
• Dealing with other emergencies such as floods or chemical biological
radiological or nuclear incidents - including terrorism.
The Fire and Rescue Authority sets the annual budget and the cost of carrying out its duties is met (partly) by council tax in each council area (and partly by government grant and business rates).
The Authority was established in 1997 following Local Government Reorganisation. Although Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council appoint representatives to the Authority it is a separate body responsible for carrying out its functions.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council nominates six councillors to serve the Authority and Staffordshire County Council 19. A total of 25 in all.