New 'Fire Bikes' spark controversy

NEW £30,000 BMW motorbikes equipped to tackle small fires have raised controversy after The Firefighters' Union today expressed concern about the use of the specially adapted machines.

Last week, Visordown brought you the news that Merseyside Fire and Rescue were trialling two of the hi-tech bikes, which are equipped with the ability to help tackle small fires.

However, Union leaders have told the Guardian newspaper that they believe the introduction of the new machines are part of the Service's plans to reduce costs, leading to less-effective cover. Neil Thompson, regional chair of the Fire Brigades' Union, said: "We are deeply concerned that utilising these machines could reduce fire cover within the Merseyside area as part of cost-cutting measures.

"There are certain fires – motorbike fires, rubber fires – that give off carcinogens, and inevitably the firefighters on motorbikes would have no protection from them."

The machines were introduced with a view to responding to fires more quickly than a multi-man fire engine.

Peter Rushton, a spokesman for Merseyside fire and rescue service, told the Guardian: "The bikes will be used to put out small fires and car fires, not fires that represent a danger to property or people. They can get to an incident pretty quickly, so they can turn back fire engines if it is a secondary fire or a false alarm.

"Fire engines carry four or five crew members and rescue equipment, so if there is a serious fire this will mean they are more likely to be available."