LIVES will be at risk as a result of fire service cuts in Essex, a report has revealed.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s corporate risk report says a large loss of income is likely to lead to a reduced level of prevention, protection and response.

It says the impact will be “major”, including possible loss of life, or long-termhospitalisation.

It also states reductions in the number of firefighters and fire engines is almost certain.

Alan Chinn-Shaw, Essex brigade secretary for the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Cuts cost lives. If you reduce the amount of fire cover, it is inevitable someone will die.”

Theunion, whose members will walk out for a 24-hour strike on February 25, says although the fire service states it can cope because it has enough resources, it has disregarded response times as a target.

This year, the fire service is cutting 97 jobs, including 82 firefighters, and is getting rid of dedicated rescue tenders, primarily used in car crashes.

The equipment is being moved on to other vehicles.

The service is also below the target of retained firefighters it needs. A spokesman for the fire service said: “As a large authority with premises, appliances and equipment across the county, it is almost certain there will be occasions where one of these resources is not available.

“The unmitigated impact of this could be major.

“In practice, of course, the availability of spare equipment and the fact we have appliances in multiple locations reduces both the likelihood and the impact of this risk.” The report was presented to the Essex Fire Authority earlier this week.