Responding to a Freedom of Information request by Windsor Liberal Democrats, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has stated that it is unable to advise what capability the proposed “Local Fire Engine” for Windsor will have.
Under the consultation plan the current daytime-only services operated from the Windsor Fire Station by a Full Size Fire Engine would be replaced by a 24 hour mini Fire Engine – described by the Fire Authority as a “Local Fire Engine” based in Slough, but usually forward deployed to Windsor. (2)
Under the plan, Windsor Fire Station would close to be replaced by facilities provided by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Responding to a Freedom of Information Request from Windsor Liberal Democrats the Borough was unable to confirm the exact facilities it would be providing for the Fire Brigade.
The Fire Brigade have made it clear that the ‘Local Fire Engine’ will be deployed elsewhere at times – with periods of Forest Fire Risk and Snow being identified as such times.
Replying to our request to know the scope of incidents that the Local Fire Engine could attend independently the Fire and Rescue Service advised that the capability of the appliance would be decided after the current consultation gave the plan the thumbs up.
Meanwhile the local FBU have said the type of calls the appliance could attend on its own will be very limited due to only carrying a crew of 3. (2) (5)
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Sources:
- RBWM Press Release dated 29/09/11
- RBFRS Press Release dated 29/09/11
- Royal Borough Observer 28/09/11
- Windsor Express 29/09/11
- Save Windsor Fire Station (Windsor FBU)
- Fire Authority IRMP Action Plan 2012/13 Consultation Document
- Royal Berkshire FBU Press Release 22/09/11