Two fire engines are being cut from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) operational fleet today. The removal of the two vehicles, from West Denton and Hebburn, is going to increase safety risks to both the public and to firefighters, according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
This latest move concludes a round of cuts imposed by TWFRS as a direct result of government cuts to the fire and rescue service – in Tyne and Wear this has meant the removal of six fire engines over the last four years.
FBU brigade secretary Russ King said: “We are deeply worried about the future of the fire and rescue service in Tyne and Wear and nationally. Since 2010 we have witnessed the reduction of 10,000 firefighter posts and the closure of 40 fire stations. The government are playing with people’s lives in the name of austerity.
“We are extremely concerned that these frontline cuts are showing no signs of stopping – we have learned this week that the TWFRS still needs to find a further £1.8 million minimum savings. This is going to severely compromise our ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
“We are calling on the fire authority to provide guarantees about the future protection of frontline firefighting and rescue provision. We cannot operate effectively and safely within a service that is being cut to the bone. It is not fair on our communities or on the firefighters whose job it is to keep people safe.”
Since 2010 TWFRS have seen a reduction in government funding of 30% which translates into the loss not just of six fire engines, but also of 131 firefighter jobs. King added: “We have suffered reduced fire cover throughout the night, and the introduction of four ‘small fire units’, which are totally inadequate replacements for fully equipped fire engines.”
