Avon Fire and Rescue service are sending fire engines to Africa to avoid them being used for stag parties or terrorism.

Fire chiefs across the country are worried about the reputational damage from where their old kit ends up

A report to June 26’s Avon Fire Authority meeting said: “Considerable concerns on a national level were being expressed as to where redundant fire fighting vehicles were ending up.

“In this area, appliances were being used as stag and hen night units around Bristol, being used as mobile entertainment centres with poor behaviour which resulted in complaints and negative comments by the public.

“This reflected a negative view of the fire service, as the brigade was thought to be irresponsible in the disposal of their redundant goods.

“On a national front, an appliance had been used for serious illegal purposes and the Home Office suggested scrapping fire appliances and to this day a number of fire authorities still do this.”

Avon has links with the Gambia dating back to 1984 and the report says the vehicles may be outdated here but can still make a difference in the developing country.

Four fire engines that are all past their 12-year lifespan have been kept in storage waiting for the donation to be approved.

With a new fire station currently under construction in the town of Bajakunda, the report says this would be an ideal time for the appliances to be formally donated.

The Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership was formalised in 2004 after Avon firefighter  David Hutchings visited the African country for a holiday. During his stay a serious accident occurred and he witnessed a family of six die needlessly due to the lack of the most basic equipment.

On his return to the UK he canvassed for help by means of the provision of redundant but serviceable vehicles and equipment.

GAFSIP was established as a charity in 2004.

The report stated: “It has been established that a vast quantity of resources here in the UK have a termed life of use, following which they have to be scrapped, ending up landfilled.

“These resources are of immense value to the Gambia.

“Generally, the disposal value of those items is minimal and, in some cases, a cost would be incurred for safe disposal here in the UK."