A message for more fire service resources from the first fire crew can come well before they arrive, if the fire is obvious from a distance, or radio information concerning the incident from the fire control room has been passed.

Brigades should have mutual support arrangements to loan spare fire appliances to each other when badly needed.

Poor night time cover is excused by fewer incidents at night but the most serious incidents can occur at any time..

John Coffey, glasgow,

It is the most irresponsible statement of the Coprnish Chief Fire Officer "if both break at the same time they will have to be repaired at the same time.." The point that has been lost on him is that if the special fire fighting equipment is 50 miles away then it is all the more important for the Fire Chiefs to keep an eye that both equipment sets do not go wrong at the same time, if they do one will have to be repaired on an EMERGENCY basis and at once to avoid serious incidents such as the one that has been recently known. There is a need for a serious investigation to check the dates when the equipment went wrong and also how much time was wasted before the repairs were completed. If found guilty of neglect in this matter the Fore chiefs should be demoted from the rank of Chief Fire Officers to a lower rank.
The fire could have been controlled earlier and the damage/ loss could have been minimised if the spl equipment was readily available readily available for fire fighting.

Mr M PASHA, London, London

Limoden's excuse is fatuous. If both aerial appliances in the area were being repaired, cover should have been brought in from elsewhere. Leaving this uncovered was a deriliction of duty.

Phil Payne, Sheffield,

I don't think the fire brigade should be condemed for equipment being out of commission. These lads do an excellent job and even with the health and safety regs, they put their lives on the line every day for us! They are like the army, working with limited equipment and limited manpower. They shouldn't be the ones to get the blame about equipment, look to the government and where the money has gone for the equipment.
Wooden fire escapes are still legal but they should be reinforced and treated so they provide an adequate means of escape with fire protection of at least 30 mins i believe. It all depends on whether there were combustuables underneath the escape which could have accelerated the fire. People should listen to the advise given to them by the professionals, like keeping fire doors shut. Keeping chemicals locked away, and storing waste materials away from firedoors and escapes. It's amaizing how many people flaunt the rules with tragic consequences.

jacqui wilson, wembdon, somerset

Welcome to the modern uk fire service coming to your town soon if it has'nt already arrived.Do'nt be taken in by glossy "IRMP" documents and the buzz words of "senior executives".Go to your local firefighters and talk to them,respond to the "consultation process.It's your fire service.

Simon Bonney, Preston, U K

You get what you elect.

David Masu, Zürich,

Wooden Fire Escapes ?!? What is THAT all about????

Trisha, Newquay, UK

Wooden fire escapes?? How did they ever pass the routine
fire authority inspections?

John Vestey, Porto Ercole, Italy

Lack of equipment caused a delay in rescue. And the reason we are paying taxes is ...? The mayor has already gone on record saying he wants a 24-hour fire service on duty instead of an emergency call-out only, especially in the tourist season. Easy answer - divert your social service budget to life-saving and security of your citizens. That's what they think they are paying you for.

KR, Stockport,

Was there no one in reception or a Porter on night duty?
Someone should be held to account for wooden fire escapes still in use, thought these had been made illegal years ago.
What a state of affairs that the Fire Departments in two towns had not the equipment needed for the rescue of people and not enough manpower.

Nancy Nagle, Huddersfield, Yorkshire