UK Fire Consolidation Criticized

Firefighters in six eastern United Kingdom are criticizing a $1.9 billion plan by the government to close the countries 46 existing fire control rooms and consolidate 999 call handling and radio dispatching operations at just nine centers by 2011. A recent firefighter union poll found 94% of its members believe the consolidation would impair responses and 91% said it would put them in danger. The union believes the money could be better spent on training, equipment and increased staffing. Read the union’s press release here.