Latest editorial
New London Fire Brigade recruits go through their paces during a drill at a Fire station in East London, July 2022
FIREFIGHTERS urged the public to “make sure your Christmas list isn’t a fire risk” after 26 house fires were caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries in the last year.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) assistant chief officer Jon Henderson gave the warning as many across the country prepare to gift electronic products such as laptops, phones and e-bikes powered by the batteries on Christmas.
“These items should be used safely and treated with respect as, when damaged or faulty, the batteries can cause significant fires which could have devastating results for you, your family and your home,” he said.
The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW
Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT
