A report by the Welsh Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor (CFRA) into the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has raised concerns regarding the safety of firefighters and the public, training and operational procedures, and made a series of recommendations.
Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union assistant general secretary, said:
“This report raises a number of serious issues regarding the safety of firefighters and the public, as well as and operational procedure. It also discusses the introduction of practices which could be detrimental to improving these issues. The FBU will be reviewing its findings and recommendations, and we will respond fully in due course.
“Firefighters are the experts on firefighting, and we will firmly defend their right to consultation and negotiation through their union on any issue that affects their safety or working conditions. We will engage pro-actively with the Welsh Government, the fire authority and fire service leaders in what comes next.”
Gareth Tovey, Fire Brigades Union Executive Council member for Wales, said:
“While the report raises many important questions for the fire service in South Wales and more widely, it is essential that we bear in mind the wider context. Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs have been cut, and the fire service has lost 30% of its central government funding in cash terms. It is no wonder that response times across the UK are worse than ever.
“We need to see significant investment from the Westminster government, and the re-introduction of national standards to end the postcode lottery on fire cover. Until we solve these underlying problems, the fire service will not have the resources it needs to deliver effectively for the communities of South Wales.”
