Fact-Finding at Chichester Fire Station

Jess Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester, spent last Saturday learning from firefighters working at Chichester Fire Station. The meeting was hosted by Dan Moon, Watch Manager at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

During the meeting, Jess sat down with the crew on shift at the Fire Station to discuss the challenges they face, such as ongoing cuts to fire services, ageing equipment, and the shaky nature of fire service coverage across county lines.

Over the course of Jess’ visit, it emerged that much of the equipment used at Chichester Fire Station is out of date and needs replacing. The vital breathing apparatus that keeps firefighters safe during house fires have needed to be replaced for the last three years, while their iconic red fire trucks have been out of date for a decade.

Jess visiting Chichester Fire Station

Jess Brown-Fuller MP said:

“West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service have clearly been through savage cuts, which has put a lot of pressure to deliver on our serving firemen and women. But nothing can excuse the growing pile of ageing equipment on display at our fire stations, which is in dire need of replacing.”

“Although I was happy to don some of their breathing apparatus, I am very aware that this equipment should have been phased out a long time ago. Kicking these decisions down the road might make financial sense, but they have a real impact on people’s lives.”

“It is high time that senior Councillors at County Hall talked to their frontline firefighters, rather than about them, and give this service the investment it deserves.”