As a result of the massive staff isolation with Covid it was reported that one fire station had no firefighters.
Officials from the union said that there was no night shift available at Gosport base, Hampshire. This prompted a scramble for cover from those nearby.
After testing positive, as many as 40 individuals from the Isle of Wight Rescue Service and Hampshire were placed in quarantine.
One in three London-based staff shortages have meanwhile prevented one of the engines from being on the roads.
A fire station in Gosport, Hampshire, had no one available for a night shift last week, union officials said. (Stock image)
Mark Chapman is the regional secretary of Region 12 Fire Brigades Union. He stated that: “The service has an absolute threadbare level coverage.
“We had one fire department that was basically abandoned without firefighters. We needed firefighters to help us.”
However, bosses maintained that the Gosport base had been ‘fully crewed’ on December 28, as employees were relocated.
Kevin Evenett (Hampshire’s assistant director for operations) said: “Staff absences not related to Covid-19 were managed according to our contingency plans, and personnel were moved about to maintain coverage.”
According to reports, 40 people in the Isle of Wight Rescue Service (Hampshire) were placed under quarantine after they tested positive on December 28. (Stock image)
He said, “Like other emergency services we have strong contingency plans to cover staff absentes. We also keep these plans under review so we can respond as needed.
When necessary, move firefighters or fire engines about to keep cover.
“All coworkers have been reminded of the importance to protect themselves and others against Covid-19. This includes using face masks and practicing social distancing wherever possible. Also, making use of lateral flow tests and isolating whenever necessary.