IN response to Chief Fire Officer Nigel Hutchinson's comments ('Yes to changes'), July 14, I wish to make the following observations:

1. The average number of Fire Deaths nationally is 500, compared with 3,868 rescues from fire (official Government figures 2002-2003). Therefore, theoretically, 500 lives could be saved each year with the practice of Community Fire Safety but at a cost of up to 3,868 lives that are saved by active intervention. The figures tell us that intervention is at least seven times more effective. Is it wise to be cutting?

2. CFO Hutchinson says that during the last three years there have been "no fire rescues using aerial appliances". True, maybe, but there have been several other rescues carried out in this period and after all we are now a fire and rescue service. There have certainly been a number of fire rescues before this magical three-year period and a few close shaves since (Fulford apartments spring to mind). How do we envisage accessing future roof incidents in light of new training requirements?

3. "125 alive" in ten years is the fire authority's vision - a totally improvable target. The Fire Brigades Union has a campaign No Two Fire Deaths which is far more reassuring.

4. Workplace surveys of day crewing staff revealed that at least 90 per cent would not be taking up the offer of voluntary dual contracts.

This has massive implications for night-time cover in places such as Malton, Tadcaster and Selby (to name but a few). The likelihood of covering this deficiency with part-time cover looks a remote, if not unachievable, ambition. It must also hinder our ability to operate the incident response unit (used in response to certain types of terrorist activity).

5. Despite implementation of the Community Fire Safety guidelines for several years, it appears the intervention side is still in big and, in some cases, increasing demand.

The Integrated Risk Management Plan 2 has been introduced as a package for modernisation; whereas, in reality, it is a means of cost cutting a vital frontline intervention service, which can ill afford any further erosion.

The bottom line is this: the safety of the public and firefighters will be compromised with the full implementation of the plan.

Graeme Willis,

FBU Divisional Secretary,

Acomb Fire Station,

Boroughbridge Road,

York.

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, August 04, 2005