Avon Fire Service in "state of crisis" says FBU
The Union representing firefighters is urging the Avon Fire Authority to reverse recently announced job cuts
The Avon Fire and Rescue Service is in a "state of crisis", according to the Union that represents firefighters.
Yesterday His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the Avon Fire Service "inadequate" at responding to emergencies, which is the worst possible rating.
In response the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says austerity is leaving the Avon Service unable to operate properly and is urging the Avon Fire Authority to reverse recently announced job cuts.
Dave Roberts, FBU South West regional secretary said: “This damning inspectorate report into Avon Fire and Rescue Service exposes a service in a state of crisis.
"The service has been rated inadequate at preventing and responding to fires.
"Response times are slower than the national average.
"This is an emergency."
The FBU says the UK has lost one in five firefighters since 2010 and in October the Avon Fire Authority announced another 40 roles would be going, through a mix of voluntary redundancies and a lack of replacements when people retire.
"This austerity is leaving our service severely under-resourced, putting homes and lives at risk," Roberts said.
"The service is fundamentally lacking a crucial response strategy outlining how it will respond to a range of emergencies.
"This is despite the inspectorate raising an accelerated cause for concern in August stating that failure to collect information on risk is threatening public and firefighter safety.
“The report also points to an unacceptable culture where firefighters are unable to raise or challenge inappropriate and discriminatory behaviour.
"Senior leaders must start taking this seriously.
“The people of Avon deserve a fire service equipped to keep communities safe.
"Instead, our firefighters are working in extremely difficult conditions without enough resources or support.
“To bring our service back from the brink, we need urgent investment and leadership.
"Avon fire authority must reverse the decision to cut 40 firefighters from our region as the first step.”
Responding to the HMICFRS report, a spokesperson for the Avon Fire and Rescue Service admitted it makes for "uncomfortable reading".
“I accept these are the Inspectorate’s findings, and I want to reassure our local communities we have already put plans in place to address some of the concerns raised," Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said.
"It is disappointing, despite the hard work undertaken by our staff to deliver the best possible service to our communities, it’s clear the pace of change has not been sufficient against the challenging financial and political backdrop we’ve faced this past year.
“There is more to be done to tackle and improve on the areas highlighted going forward, particularly in relation to our provision of risk critical information and in creating a more inclusive culture.
"However, I feel strongly that the findings do not represent who we are as a Service and what I know the dedicated staff I work alongside daily, strive for the Service to be.”