Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

N/A at 13/11/2002 14:53

Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell has been giving more detail about his plans to keep Cornwall safe with the help of the Military, but is also calling for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the national employers to return to the negotiating table and resolve this pay dispute without the need for further strike action.

Mick says, “I am concerned that the timing and content of the findings of the Bain Review appeared to have a harmful effect on negotiations, and that yesterday’s talks ended so swiftly without agreement.”

“It is very frustrating to see the Employers’ offer and the FBU’s demands so far apart, and I am sure everyone in the Cornwall County Fire Brigade – both those intending to strike and those who will continue working - wish to strongly urge both sides to do what they can to avoid protracted industrial action. This will damage reputations and threaten public safety.”

But this morning Mick also sought to reassure Cornwall’s residents and businesses that any gaps in fire cover created by industrial action would be covered as far as possible by military assets, including six ‘Green Goddess’ fire tenders, three Breathing Apparatus Rescue Tenders (BARTs) and one Rescue Equipment Support Team (REST). All of these are located and will be mobilised at the discretion of the commanding Military Officer. He added that most, but not all, Retained (part time) Firefighters in Cornwall are expected to be working, and that Fire Brigade managers had received undertakings during meetings in recent days. Of the Brigade’s 712 staff, 425 are Retained Firefighters and 181 Full Time. The remainder are communications centre, mobilising or support staff.
Throughout the coming strike action the Brigade’s Fire Safety Policy Unit will continue to produce advice for residents, road users and businesses on a wide variety of fire and road safety issues.

Mick Howell says, “It is important to remind people that in an emergency people should still dial 999. But everyone in Cornwall can play their part in making sure resources are not over-stretched by being extra vigilant about road and fire safety.”

There are particular fire safety issues which characterise this time of year, and the Brigade would appreciate the media highlighting the following advice:

- Check smoke alarms (or to fit them now if your house doesn’t have any) – you can even buy detectors which plug directly into the mains via light fittings. Also, discuss your family or workplace fire escape plan.
- People should be cautious with open fires, gas, bar electric or paraffin heaters – these first cold snaps mean they are often lit for the first time in months. Never leave them unattended, and check now that they are serviceable and that chimneys have been swept.
- As we near Christmas seasonal parties and events, make sure children are not left unsupervised with matches, fireworks or candles.
- Be neighbourly - check that elderly or vulnerable people are not at risk. Offer help with fitting smoke alarms, or checking the state of heaters, cookers and electrical items. Chip pans, old electric blankets, oil lamps and candles are all serious fire risks.
- Kill your speed when driving – Cornwall Fire Brigade attends an average of 23 road accidents a month, and road safety experts say excessive speed in urban areas is by far the greatest factor. Observe speed limits and drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions.

Cornwall has a free fire safety helpline 24 hours a day on 0800 3581999.