No extra demands on Scottish firefighters

Scottish firefighters have not yet been asked to undertake additional roles such as driving ambulances.

Under a new crisis agreement, firefighters in England and Wales will be able to deliver essential items such as food to vulnerable people, drive ambulances and assist ambulance staff, and collect bodies in the event of mass casualties.

The request was made by the Westminster Home Office to the National Fire Chief’s Council and is therefore an agreement for the fire services in England and Wales.

However, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Martin Blunden said they “fully expect” and are “ready” to do more if called upon.

“Providing humanitarian assistance is an essential part of what we do,” he said.

“This is a national crisis and we fully expect – and are ready – to do more to help protect our communities and especially the most vulnerable in our society.

“We have not received a request for our firefighters to drive ambulances or undertake any additional roles at this present time.

“However, we continue to work in very close partnership with the Scottish Government and our emergency service partners.”

The plan in England and Wales will run for two months but can be extended if necessary and could affect the UK’s 48,000 firefighters and emergency control staff.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, said: “We face a public health crisis unparalleled in our lifetimes.

“The coronavirus outbreak is now a humanitarian emergency and firefighters rightly want to help their communities.

“Firefighters are fantastic at teamwork, are experienced in driving emergency vehicles and, as a service rooted in the community, may be best placed to deliver essential items to the most vulnerable.

“Many fear the loss of life in this outbreak could be overwhelming – and firefighters, who often handle terrible situations and incidents, are ready to step in to assist with body retrieval.”