Put the fire out, man

THE word “fireman” is outdated and people should use the term “firefighter” instead, says London’s female fire chief.

The capital’s Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton wants people to use the gender-neutral term, saying it will encourage more women to sign up.

Miss Cotton said: “The first woman firefighter joined London Fire Brigade in 1982 and it’s ridiculous that 35 years later people are still surprised to see women firefighters or calling them firemen.

“We owe it to tomorrow’s firefighters to challenge negative stereotypes today.”

In April, Harlow Council in Essex banned the terms “chairman” and “vice-chairman” in exchange for the gender-neutral term “chairperson”.