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29/01/10

FIRE BRIGADES UNION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 January

FIRE BRIGADE UNION CONCERNED OVER MOVES TO ARREST INCIDENT MANAGERS OVER DEATHS OF FOUR FIREFIGHTERS AT WARWICKSHIRE

The Fire Brigades Union says it is concerned by moves to arrest three managers over the deaths of four firefighters killed in a warehouse fire in November 2007. All three were involved in the incident command process and may face allegations of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the deaths.

All three have been told, by letter, to attend a Warwickshire Police station where they have been told they will be arrested and interviewed under caution.

Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary, said: “It is important for the families and colleagues of those who died to establish what happened. It is important that all fire services learn all the lessons from this incident and we support that aim.

“We are concerned at the move to arrest these individuals at this stage when all other key players have not even been interviewed. We understand that, even two years after the deaths, all very top corporate managers – who may have critical information - have still not even been interviewed.

“Evidence from our own on-going investigation suggests there may be systemic failings. Any systemic failings within Warwickshire fire service, if they are established, would be the responsibility of the fire authority.”

Media contact 0208 541 1765

Duncan Milligan

Head of Communications and Research

Fire Brigades Union

68 Coombe Road

Kingston Upon Thames

Surrey

KT2 7AE

0208 541 1765

Mobile 07736 818100

Warwickshire Cuts

FIRE BRIGADES UNION

14 September

Plans to axe a third of all fire appliances in Warwickshire, closing seven fire stations, will be opposed by fire crews

Warwickshire fire service plans to cut a third of all fire appliances, closing seven fire stations, with be strongly opposed by local fire crews. Warwickshire Fire Brigades Union said it is the biggest cuts and closures plan ever proposed by a fire service.

The stations proposed for closure are Studley, Bidford, Brinklow, Fenny Compton, Kenilworth, Warwick and Bedworth. Appliances crewed by fire fighters working retained duty will also be removed from Coleshill and Atherstone.

Around 100 firefighters working retained duty would be axed under the plans. The cuts are being proposed in what is called a Service Improvement Plan.

Mark Rattray, Warwickshire FBU brigade secretary said: “The removal of fire engines from these stations will greatly increase the risk to the public and to firefighters. If they go ahead we could see towns and villages being left without any effective emergency rescue cover.

“The modern risks we prepare, plan and respond to go well beyond dealing with fires. This will impact on all the work we do in every part of Warwickshire, not only in the areas close to these stations.

“The result of these cuts will be far fewer firefighters spread much more thinly across the County. To call this a Service Improvement Plan is an insult to the public and to professional fire crews.

“The FBU will vehemently oppose any downgrading or reduction of frontline services. We believe that the people of Warwickshire should not suffer cuts to frontline services.

“The fire service should be given the correct funding to maintain and enhance the level of service that the communities of Warwickshire deserve. The FBU strongly urge all members of the community to oppose these proposed cuts by taking part in the consultation process.”