‘Fire service cuts could cost lives’

Published: 16 September, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

SWINGEING cuts to fire cover could lead to deaths across Camden, a senior Fire Brigade Union (FBU) officer has warned. 

Ben Sprung and his colleagues based at the Kentish Town fire station believe proposed cost-cutting changes to their shifts will put lives at risk.

The plans, to be finalised in October by the London Fire Brigade managing committee, mean firefighters will have to take on new shifts lasting 12 hours a time and work more flexibly. 

This would mean reduced cover at night, with up to 40 per cent fewer staff on call: and while fewer fires statistically start at night, the FBU warn that with fires doubling in size every four minutes unless checked, night fires can be more devastating than those during the day.

Mr Sprung said: “These plans will mean we have less cover at night. While fewer fires  start at night, they are often worse as they are not discovered so quickly.”

Mr Sprung added: “They are talking about 25 per cent to 40 per cent budget cuts. These are dangerous proposals.”

Firefighters from across London are marching in protest today (Thursday) from Aldwych at 11.30am to the Fire Brigade headquarters in Union Street, Southwark.