Fire engine loss is ‘dangerous’

Published: 14 October, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

FIRE chiefs have been accused of playing with people’s safety after it was revealed they have taken 27 fire engines away from London stations in readiness for a potential firefighters’ strike.

It includes one from West Hampstead – prompting firefighters to say the area is dangerously unprotected as it cuts the number of engines by half.

Fire staff are considering industrial action over changes to their shifts, which they say will hit their ability to deal with fires at night. The Fire Brigades Union have been told to either agree a new rota or face the sack – prompting the FBU to call for strike action to bring their bosses back to the negotiating table. 

One firefighter, based at West Hampstead, told the New Journal that a private company drove off yesterday (Wednesday) in one of the two engines based there. The firefighter, who did not want be named, said: “They took away a vital piece of equipment so they can break a legitimate and legal strike – and we haven’t even had the results of the ballot yet.” 

Another firefighter, based in Camden, said: “Please, everyone, be more vigilant in the coming weeks. The fire authority have paid £14m to a private company to have 27 engines covering what is usually the work of 300-odd engines across London. This is utterly dangerous.”

A fire authority spokesperson said: “London Fire Brigade has withdrawn 27  engines for the introduction of a contingency fire service should the Fire Brigades Union take strike action. If a strike takes place, the Brigade can call on a contractor to maintain a contingency level of fire cover.”

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “Despite one of West Hampstead’s fire engines being removed, it is still business as usual.”

He added: “The borough still has the fire cover it needs.”