'Carbon footprint' fear slashes rescue unit

Routine use of a major rescue unit in the Black Country has been permanently slashed as fire service bosses try to reduce their carbon footprint.

The specialist engine, based at West Bromwich Fire Station, used to be sent out routinely to all serious incidents around the Black Country, but it was put on a six month trial last year where it was only sent out on request.

Fire chiefs have now voted to keep the situation the same saying it provides a "suitable level" of cover while helping to achieve environmental aims.

But union bosses have criticised the decision, claiming it could put lives at risk.

Rose Jones, brigade secretary for the Fire Brigade Union, said: "Our opinion has always been and will always be that if it is not turned out on the initial call the minutes that are lost could be vital.

"Although the figures don't show it, it could be the difference between life and death.

"We certainly don't agree with it, and we will never agree with it and it will be on the Brigade's head if it is ever proven that it causes a loss of a life."

The unit responds to calls such as crashes involving several cars or heavy goods vehicles, or where heavy lifting is needed.

There are two in the West Midlands, one based at West Bromwich and the other in Bickenhill.

But a memo leaked to the Express & Star in November stated: "To support the service's environmental strategy (carbon footprint) there will be a change to the mobilising protocols."

Fire Service spokesman Mike Fox said today the decision to review the mobilisation of the major rescue units (MRU) followed developments of the equipment carried on standard fire engines and the use of the specialist Technical Rescue Unit, a single engine based at Bickenhill Fire Station, on the outskirts of Solihull.

He added: "We have an environmental strategy and one of the things we are looking at is reducing our carbon footprint, as is every public service.

"This was a factor in the decision, but not the driving factor.

"We would never make a decision on public safety based on reducing emissions."

MRUs could still be sent out when requested, he said.