Stark warning over funding cuts as Hampshire fire callouts show alarming rise

NEW figures have shown an alarming increase in the number of fires attended by local fire crews.
By Neil Fatkin
Published 8th Aug 2019, 17:19 BST
Updated 12th Aug 2019, 23:50 BST
Fire callouts in Hampshire have increased by 11 per cent.Fire callouts in Hampshire have increased by 11 per cent.
Fire callouts in Hampshire have increased by 11 per cent.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to 4,388 fires in 2018-19, 442 more than in the previous year. This constitutes an 11 per cent increase compared to the 3,946 reported in 2017-18. The overall number of callouts in Hampshire also increased with firefighters responding to more false alarms.

The situation across the county mirrors the national picture with fire and rescue services in England having attended 183,000 fires in 2018-19 – a nine per cent increase on the previous year.

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The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that services are under pressure and voiced concern that ‘massive cuts’ have led to a significant increase in fires across England.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: ‘We are deeply concerned that massive cuts has resulted in a significant increase in fires.’

Related topics:HampshireEngland

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