‘Fire risks up’ as staff levels hit a new low
Gong for firefighters & community
THE number of firefighters has hit a shocking record low in the first annual figures since the Grenfell Tower disaster in June.
Critics warned safety is at risk as fire safety audits also plummeted by 14%.
There are now 35,602 firefighters in England, the lowest total since 2002 and a fall of 283 in a year, Home Office data revealed.
Those working full-time fell even more dramatically by 531, a drop in this category of 4% in just one year.
Shadow Fire Services Minister Chris Williamson said: “The figures reveal the limits of the Tories’ concern for fire safety.”
THE hero Grenfell Tower firefighters and the community that came together so inspiringly following the tragedy will be honoured at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards.
The firefighters will receive the This Morning Emergency Services Award for their courage as they battled the blaze and saved scores of lives.
Hundreds of them went beyond the call of duty as the tower was devastated in Britain’s worst fire since the Blitz.
And the members of the community who worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter and comfort to the survivors will be honoured with a Special Recognition Award.
Representatives will receive it on behalf of all those who united to help both during the blaze and in the aftermath.
In the early hours of Wednesday, June 14, a fire that started on the fourth floor of the 24-storey block quickly spread through the building. It took 250 officers 24 hours to extinguish the blaze.
Firefighters repeatedly went into the tower to rescue residents, climbing to the upper floors despite serious fears it was on the verge of collapse.
They continued to return to the building knowing they might never come out again. Tragically, up to 80 residents are thought to have died in the fire in Ladbroke Grove, West London.
In the days, weeks and months that followed, the people of Grenfell and the wider community united to help those left bereaved and homeless.
People of all ages, races and social classes came together for the cause, showing the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
People from neighbouring estates rallied to help residents of the tower who had lost their homes and possessions, some of whom were still searching for loved ones.
Businesses offered their services for free. Locals welcomed strangers into their homes, while churches, mosques and temples offered shelter to families who had been rescued from the blaze.
The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, honour the nation’s unsung heroes. More than 100 of our biggest stars will join Prince William and host Carol Vorderman at London’s Grosvenor House for the Awards, which will be screened on ITV.
Don’t miss The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, Tuesday November 7, 8pm on ITV.