The true cost of removing a second fire engine from Maryport will be the first life lost.

Maryport mayor Linda Radcliffe told fire service bosses and county councillors at a consultation on Wednesday, that there could be no guarantee that removing a second fire engine from the town would not cost a life. 

The county council is proposing to remove the second fire engine as part of cost-saving measures.

The move has provoked outrage on social media site Facebook, with a campaigning page, Save Maryport's Second Fire Engine, attracting more than 1,500 'likes'.

Keith Opie, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service operational commander, said the move would save £30,000 a year.

The fire service is also looking at closing four small stations, including Frizington.

Further savings would be achieved by "natural wastage", he said, which means not replacing people who leave.

Around 30 people attended  the drop-in session at Maryport Library on Wednesday night to discuss the proposal.

Many of those present spoke about the need for every appliance during the recent floods and some of the major fires that had taken place where Maryport had played a vital part.

Mr Opie, however, said there was a difficulty manning the second engine and it was only available 23 per cent of the time.

He said Maryport was the only on-call fire station in the county with a second tender.

Local firefighters, Stephen Iredale and Jonathan Bridgewood, said three staff members are on long term sick leave at present, leaving 13 on call.

Mr Bridgewood said: "We need a minimum of eight for an appliance. All of us who can work are putting everything into it. 

"Most domestic fires happen at night and then we usually have enough people around for two engines."

Area manager Nick O'Key, Allerdale station manager Adrian Holme, and Mr Opie all praised Maryport for their professionalism and dedication.

They said, however, that in emergencies such as the flooding, specialist crews and equipment were usually brought in from other places, like London.

They also spoke about a new global positioning system used in the fire service now which means the closest available fire engine is sent to a fire engine is sent to an incident, no matter where it is based.

Each of the bosses commented on the difficulty of having to close a fire station or reduce a service.

Mr Opie added: "The fire service, like everyone else, has to save money. The chief fire officer has had to look at ways to do this but he would not allow any action that would in any way affect public safety."

County councillor Alan Clarke pleaded with Maryport people to make the right decision.

He said 1,800 council workers were facing job losses as the county struggled to deal with cuts from the Government.

He added: "Next we will be looking at kicking elderly people out of hospitals because we can't afford to keep them there. Cuts need to be made."

Local firefighters thanked the public who turned out to the consultation event on Wednesday.

Mr Opie said there was no question of closing Maryport.

He also guaranteed that none of the 16 Maryport fire fighter would lose their job.

People have until next Friday, January 22, to comment on the proposals.

This can be done online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/fire, by email to irmp@cumbria.gov.uk or in wriring to FREEPOST NWW 6059A

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