CONCERNS have been raised that Malton and Norton was left without fire cover on Monday.
The full-time crew from Malton station was involved in animal rescue training during the day shift from 8am to 4pm.
Cover was also not available by the retained crew, leaving firefighters in Pickering and Sherburn, which are retained stations, to also cover Malton and Norton. A Malton firefighter, who asked not to be named, said: “Local firefighters feel that it is absolutely unacceptable to place the communities of Malton and Norton in the dangerous position of having no fire cover.
“To have the nearest fire appliance 20 minutes away is a disgrace and the public should be very concerned about this.”
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The whole-time crew from Malton were undertaking animal rescue training away from the station on Monday. The service regularly moves staff and fire engines to provide balanced cover. In this instance the service has ensured that Pickering and Sherburn are both available to respond to incidents.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here