You are in > manchester.com  > News > Fire crews slam 'limited response' policy

General Manchester news

Fire crews slam 'limited response' policy

05/12/2007

A new policy that limits the response of fire crews to automatic fire alarms in business and commercial premises has been heavily criticised by Manchester firefighters.

According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), more than 60 genuine fires on commercial and business premises in the Manchester area will get a reduced response in the future.

Manchester fire crews are warning that firefighters and the public are now at risk as even a small delay is enough time for a fire to get out of control and spread to neighbouring buildings.

Peter Taylor, FBU secretary, said: "[This] may seem like good value for money to a fire service accountant but it makes little sense to professional fire crews.

"Businesses pay local taxes as well and they deserve a service in return, not paying more in local taxes and getting a worse service that threatens their business in return."

In April, more than 120 firefighters tackled two huge fires in central Manchester, after an inferno in one commercial building spread to another.