FIREFIGHTERS at North York-shire RAF bases fear they will be prevented from helping out in times of crisis if they are switched to the private sector.
Fire teams from the county's three RAF bases helped local people to defend their homes during last year's catastrophic floods.
They also helped decontaminate farms in the foot and mouth crisis.
But yesterday, representatives travelled to Westminster to listen to a debate on proposed privatisation of the service, secured by Selby MP John Grogan.
Afterwards, Richard Harland, leading firefighter at RAF Fylingdales, said: "We are concerned this type of work and the public relations side of what we do will have to stop."
The debate heard that Ministers may allow the private sector to take control of 3,000 fire service and air support staff at about 100 sites including Fylingdales, Leeming and Linton-on-Ouse.
Mr Grogan wants the Government to keep the service public and give the MoD the chance to make its own savings.
Defence Minister Adam Ingram said: "I would stress that no decision has been made - this is not topped and tailed."
Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, November 14, 2001
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