Devon and Somerset firefighters ‘furious’ at proposals to demolish services

Devon and Somerset firefighters ‘furious’ at proposals to demolish services - Press release 20th June

Firefighters have reacted with ‘fury’ at plans to cut fire and rescue services in Devon and Somerset to the bone.

Yesterday, senior management of DSFRS announced proposals which will close eight fire stations and scrap over 30 fire engines across the region. These plans will demolish front-line services leaving public safety at risk.

Firefighters argue that DSFRS managers are misleading the public by claiming that these planned changes will improve the service and help keep them safe. Firefighters on the ground know that this is not the case.

James Leslie, FBU Devon and Somerset brigade secretary, said:

“Devon and Somerset firefighters are furious with these proposals. The plans would undeniably compromise public safety across both counties. Despite promises from senior management to protect frontline services, full-time fire cover and jobs have been slashed since the combination in 2007 which created DSFRS. Now the service appears to have given up on vital retained fire cover. We demand that the Fire Authority rejects these proposals. The FBU will not tolerate these dangerous plans and we plan to mobilise against them.”

The proposals will be considered by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority next week. An emergency meeting of Devon and Somerset FBU is planned for Friday 28 June. 

 Local contacts: James Leslie 07980 223026 - Trevor French 07967 018757