At that time Glasgow was known as the “tinderbox city” a label that has vanished thanks to improved fire safety and building regulations.
One comparison that remains to this day is that fire fighters are a disciplined and committed team who face danger day in and day out trying to save lives in fires, tragedies such as the ICL tragedy not that far from Cheapside Street and in road traffic accidents throughout Scotland. This dedication can come at a tragic as happened at Cheapside Street and only last year Lothian and Borders Firefighter Ewan Williamson lost his life while on active while filling in for colleague.
Read the FBU report on Firefighter deaths on their website http://www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/fatalities/fbu_fatalities_report.pdf
We now have of the most modern fire and rescue service on Europe and perhaps the world but cuts in public service are threatening levels of fire cover in communities such as Broughty Ferry safe.
Balmossie Fire Station, opened in 1982 to serve a growing residential area in the north east of Dundee and provide stand by cover to surrounding stations is heading towards being towards being downgraded on evidence a local campaign group is challenging.
The decision will be taken by Tayside Fire Board today and it is hoped that the board will do exactly what they did the last time, kick this proposal out.
The representatives who serve on the board could also have a word with the Chief Officer in Tayside and maybe suggest that continuing to crusade against provision of fire and rescue cover is not helpful and perhaps he should listen to the people in the communities likely to be affected by his decisions.
For further information on the Balmossie campaign see the their website http://www.savebalmossiefireengine.co.uk/
Ian Tasker STUC
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