Merseyside fire authority has today postponed a vote on proposals to send firefighters to incidents in crews of three on a fire engine, as firefighters rallied outside the meeting in opposition to the “dangerous” policy.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says that a minimum number of five firefighters is needed to respond to incidents safely and professionally. A fire engine with three firefighters on board cannot deploy breathing apparatus and must wait for back-up to arrive to safely respond to a range of incidents, including when lives are at risk.
FBU representatives, including general secretary Matt Wrack, attended this afternoon's fire authority meeting, voicing opposition to crews of three as well as the Community Risk Management Plan outlining the removal of watch managers from fire engines and reintroducing downgraded ‘small fires units’, which the union argues will put firefighters at greater risk.
The Labour Party has committed to national standards for fire and rescue in its manifesto, including firefighter crewing levels.
The fire authority has said that proposals will be discussed at the next fire authority meeting, which will take place on a date after the general election.
Ian Hibbert, Merseyside FBU brigade secretary said:
Merseyside firefighters are proud to stand for public and firefighter safety. By rallying outside the fire authority meeting today, we made the strength of our commitment clear.
Saving lives and homes is our priority, and we will fight against any downgrading of our service.
If the fire authority brings this to a vote again, we will mobilise in even greater numbers to ensure this policy does not pass.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:
Firefighters everywhere will welcome Merseyside fire authority’s decision not to vote on this dangerous policy today.
The safe and professional standard is five firefighters to an engine. Sending crews of three to an incident puts lives on the line.
Merseyside firefighters rallied together today, making it loud and clear that they will not accept this threat to firefighter and public safety. Instead of risking lives by cutting corners, we need urgent investment in our fire services.
The Labour Party has committed to national professional standards across the UK, and the Fire Brigades Union will fight to ensure that no fire service faces this threat again.”
