FIREFIGHTERS from Yate Fire Station are campaigning tomorrow against cuts to firefighting posts.

They have warned that public safety will be put at risk if plans to cut 49 frontline firefighting posts goes ahead.

The cuts have been proposed by Avon fire authority after a yearly £5m cut in government funding for the fire service locally.

Firefighters will offer residents an opportunity to sign a petition against the plans at Yate Shopping Centre tomorrow from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) say the life-saving service is being rationed.

They say the proposals are a risk to public safety because there will be reduced services at Yate fire station during the night, including the removal of a fire engine, and specialist rescue vehicles will no longer be sent out automatically to emergencies.

Gary Spindler, Avon firefighter and FBU rep, said: “These are untenable, dangerous cuts to the frontline fire service in Avon.

“Recently firefighters have tackled large scale incidents that have stretched us to the limit, and we needed every firefighter we could muster.

“The role of aerial appliances at incidents such as the recent fire at St Michaels Hill or the high rise fire at student accommodation in Colston Street, Bristol, has been vital in helping us protect the public and deal with the incident.”

“The cuts being proposed would have a severe impact on our ability to respond effectively and promptly to these incidents. Every firefighter knows the importance of getting to an incident quickly, and these cuts would hamper our ability to do so.

"Every second counts in an emergency - these cuts would mean that response times at night in Yate would increase to a dangerous level.

“We’re asking for the public in Bristol, and across the Avon area, to support their firefighters and come down tomorrow at Yate shopping centre to sign our petition against these cuts.”

To view the plans visit www.avonfire.gov.uk/all-areas/1906-fire-service-seeks-public-feedback-on-future-plans, and to complete a feedback form go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LKYYDRP.