Firefighters fury at proposed closures and loss of fire engines

THE story entitled “Fury as fire service changes could see Crediton left with just one fire engine” appeared in the Courier on Friday, June 28, issue 1248.

Firefighters in Devon and Somerset reacted with fury to plans that could see 19 closures and the loss of 30 fire engines across the region, including one of the two fire engines stationed in Crediton.

The plans were announced in a consultation document on Wednesday, June 16 by senior management of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (DSFRS).

The Fire Brigade Union fears that the plans would “demolish frontline services leaving public safety at risk”.

Firefighters argue that DSFRS managers are misleading the public by claiming the planned changes will improve the service and help keep them safe.

Firefighters on the ground are furious at the proposals and argue that “cutting services to the bone” would undeniably compromise public safety.

Devon County Councillor Nick Way explained that of the two appliances in Crediton, one is a smaller light rescue pump and one a larger appliance. Both are vital to meet the needs of residents in the area, in both rural areas and in the town - to lose either would be a significant loss.

A 12 week public consultation has opened and will run until September 20. For more information visit: www.dsfire.gov.uk or telephone 01392 872 200.

Please let me know your thoughts on the proposals.

You can contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

What you told us …

It’s all to save money. I’m lost for words - I don’t know what to say. It will happen anyway, so it doesn’t really matter what we say.

Wendy, Stoke Canon.

I don’t think we have so many fires nowadays as we used to. People have central heating and smoke alarms now. I think the firefighters spend more time on road traffic accidents (RTA’s) cutting people out of cars and saving lives that way.

Crediton Resident

My father was a retained firefighter in Crediton. It can’t be right to be getting rid of fire engines when towns are growing with more houses being built so we really need more firefighters not less. The fire service doesn’t just fight fires they do so much more including attending RTA’s.

Crediton Resident