20.04.2008

Private fire platforms

The Cornwall County Fire Brigade is currently looking to source a new aerial ladder platform and is seriously considering the option of renting it along with operators, rather than purchasing it outright.

The unit will be the brigades third large platform, and has been prompted by concerns arising from the fatal Penhallow Hotel fire in Newquay last August when both of its existing platforms were out of action, one due to spare parts delays. Aerial platforms are also being used more frequently as fireman are no longer supposed to stand on roofs during a rescue.

In the Penhallow fire the brigade had to call in a platform from the Devon and Somerset service and the delay in arriving could have contributed to the death toll and injuries sustained. Although three died in the blaze an investigation has said that the use of another service's platform did not affect its ability to fight the fire.

The Cornish Fire Brigades' Union says that it is very concerned over subcontracting firefighting equipment and services to private companies.
The chief fire officer of Cornwall, Matt Littmoden, has said that if it goes ahead, safety would not be compromised

Steve Benney speaking for the Union said: "We don't where it would be coming from, how long it would take to get to scenes, what training the crew would have, and what understanding they would have about how Cornwall Fire Brigade operates."

If the outsourcing goes ahead it would likely involve a monthly rental fee for the platform to be on call with trained operators with additional payments when used.

The subcontracting of emergency service is nothing new and is quite common in continental Europe as well as in London, where British based Assetco provides aerial platforms to the service.

In fact the first 101 metre platform to be delivered, the Bronto F101HLA was shipped to its rental company owner Maes in fire fighting format as much of its time was expected to be subcontracted to fire and rescue services.