Alarming fire service cuts could cost lives

IN Munich in 1938, Neville Chamberlain signed an agreement with Hitler signalling the end of Germany’s intentions of war.

Unfortunately, it was a complete facade; Hitler had absolutely no intention of honouring the agreement.

Chamberlain had underestimated a lethal enemy and it came close to spelling disaster for all of Europe.

Thankfully, we do not have Hitler’s intent on destruction here in Northern Ireland today. However, we do have an enemy that seems to be taken too lightly at this current time: fire.

The recent news of the NI Fire and Rescue Service having to scale down its operations is distressing.

Government decisions relating to budgets seem to be compromising the service’s ability to respond effectively to dangerous incidents.

Just like Hitler, fire is intent on destruction and has no regard for human life. It must be taken seriously.

Growing up in Newtownards, I always felt assured there was a fire station close to my house with firefighters who would respond immediately if a fire started in my house.

The recent news Newtownards Fire Station would no longer have full-time firefighters was deeply concerning. It will now take at least another five minutes for a fire engine to attend a fire somewhere in Ards.

When you know how quickly a fire spreads, this delay could have catastrophic consequences.

It’s a shame we don’t have someone with the determination, charisma and intelligence of Winston Churchill to put this situation right.

CHRIS CLARKE Belfast