Health and Safety

The deaths of four firefighters in Atherstone-on-Stour in 2007 was caused by a “catalogue of organisational systemic failings” by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, a report has found. The Fire Brigades Union’s Fatal Accident Investigation report summary, released today, looked into the deaths of...

Commenting on reports that the number of fires in London has fallen by a quarter in the past year, Paul Embery, London secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “It’s of course great news that the number of fires is decreasing, which will mean less danger for both the public and firefighters....

Tyne and Wear firefighters have warned that 20% cuts approved today at a meeting of the local fire authority will have a massive impact upon firefighter and public safety. Tyne and Wear Fire Authority voted in favour of the most severe option under consideration and will close three fire stations...

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that proposed cuts of £5m to local fire and rescue services will have a massive impact upon firefighter and public safety in Tyne and Wear. Tyne and Wear Fire Authority are meeting at 10am on Monday 20 January to decide on proposals that could include: – the...

Responding to the release of a report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee into the effect of budget cuts on the ability of the government to respond to floods, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "Firefighters are on the front line when floods take place...

As storms and floods hit, Firefighters in Surrey and in Kent have been recalled to duty under the terms of an agreement between the Fire Brigades Union, the employers and national government, the FBU has confirmed. As in previous strikes, across the country severe incidents that meet specific...

Essex fire chiefs are putting the people and communities of Essex at unnecessarily increased risk by notifying all wholetime firefighters they will not be paid and are not required to report for duty in the small hours of New Year’s Day, firefighters have claimed. This is punishment meted out...

Three of the eight fire and rescue stations stations that attended the collapse at the Apollo Theatre last night will close under the Mayor of London’s cuts programme after the failure of a challenge taken to the High Court by campaigners. Reacting to the court’s decision, Fire Brigades Union London...

The Fire Brigades Union in Dorset and Wiltshire has urged “extreme caution” after the fire services in the two counties announced plans to explore a potential combination. It was announced late yesterday (Thursday 12 December) that members of Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority and Dorset Fire...