Cuts raise fire risk warning

CUTS to the fire service will lead to longer waiting times and a shortage of specialist rescue equipment, local crew members have warned.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority plans further cuts to local services from July 1.

Since 2002, around 400 frontline firefighter posts have been axed in Greater Manchester — one in four frontline firefighters.

These cuts have meant that dedicated crews have been taken off special appliances while a large number of higher-reach vehicles have been removed from service.

These cuts have led to fewer firefighters, a smaller number of available fire appliances and delays in specialist vehicles attending fires and other emergencies.

Greater Manchester fire service is one of only five in England not keeping pace with reductions in fire deaths and has missed fire death reduction targets.

Peter Taylor, FBU Brigade Secretary said: “Council tax and business rate payers are already paying more for a worse 999 emergency response service than they had five years ago.

“Domestic and commercial fire losses have hit new highs and we are not keeping pace with reductions in fire deaths.

“More cuts will mean taking longer to attend a fire or other emergencies and there will not be enough appliances to cover in the event of large incidents.

“Fire does not wait, and it spreads very rapidly if left to burn for even a few extra minutes.

“Many businesses, especially small businesses, do not recover from fires.

“Businesses already get a poorer service since the fire service reduced its response to automatic fire alarms.

“Some alarms will not get a response at all. Occupiers will have to go and see if there is a fire themselves. These cuts put your firefighters at risk.

“They put families, homes and businesses at greater risk from fire.”

Visit www.saveourfireservice.co.uk for more information.