FIREFIGHTERS will take on new duties delivering food and medicines, driving ambulances and collecting bodies during the coronavirus crisis, it was revealed today.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) agreed with fire-service employers that its members will carry out the new duties as the Covid-19 pandemic spreads and the death toll mounts.

They agreed that the measures reflect the scale of the national crisis and the urgency of the response required.

Firefighters will also continue responding to emergencies such as fires and road traffic accidents.

The deal on extra duties will last initially for two months, and weekly assessment meetings will be held by the union and employers.

About 48,000 firefighters and control-room staff are included in the agreement.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “We face a public-health crisis unparalleled in our lifetimes. The coronavirus outbreak is now a humanitarian emergency and firefighters rightly want to help their communities.

“Firefighters are fantastic at teamwork, are experienced in driving emergency vehicles and, as a service rooted in the community, may be best placed to deliver essential items to the most vulnerable.

“Many fear the loss of life in this outbreak could be overwhelming – and firefighters, who often handle terrible situations and incidents, are ready to step in to assist with body retrieval.”

Mr Wrack added that firefighters and control staff had always stepped in when the public has been in danger and that the current crisis caused by Covid-19 was no different.

“The strain on all emergency services will be great, but we can and will get through it together,” he said.

National Fire Chiefs’ Council chairman Roy Wilsher said: “All fire services are working to protect communities during Covid-19 and they will use their wide range of capabilities and skills to ensure community reassurance and support, doing what they can to support people through this crisis.”

Nick Chard, who chairs the employers’ side of the fire services’ national joint council, said: “Fire and rescue has always played its role in meeting seemingly insurmountable challenges and this crisis is no exception. 

“We can immediately step up our assistance to support our overstretched public-sector colleagues, especially ambulance services, with our can-do attitude and sense of community spirit.”