Fury at fire service cutbacks

The Birch Hill bonfire.

Unionists have expressed anger towards Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, after news that cuts are to be made to local services, as of July this year.

The Fire Brigade Union revealed how Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority plans to axe frontline fire fighter appliances, which, they fear will cause longer delays and a shortage of specialist revenue.

Since 2002, over 400 frontline posts have been axed.

A Fire Brigade Union spokesman said: “These cuts have led to fewer firefighters, fewer available fire appliances and delays in specialist vehicles attending fires and other emergencies.”

Greater Manchester fire service is one of only five in England not keeping pace with reductions in fire deaths and has missed fire death reduction targets.

Pete Taylor FBU Brigade Secretary said: “Council tax and business rate payers are already paying more for a worse 999 emergency response service than they had five years ago. Domestic and commercial fire losses have hit new highs and we are not keeping pace with reductions in fire deaths.

“More cuts will mean taking longer to attend a fire or other emergencies and there will not be enough appliances to cover in the event of large incidents. Fire does not wait, and it spreads very rapidly if left to burn for even a few extra minutes.

“Even without death or injury, fire is traumatic for those touched by it.

“The longer a fire is left to burn, the more damage it causes. Many businesses, especially small businesses, do not recover from fires.

“Businesses already get a poorer service since the fire service reduced its response to automatic fire alarms.

"Firefighters are now travelling to some alarms at normal road speeds and finding properties on fire.

“Some alarms will not get a response at all. Occupiers will have to go and see if there is a fire themselves.

“These cuts put your fire fighters at risk. They put families, homes and businesses at greater risk from fire.”