Firefighters union calls for immediate talks over fire-safety fear

The Fire Brigades Union has called for the Scottish Government to convene immediate multi-agency talks to try to find a solution to fire-safety concerns in schools and the home.

The union has raised its concerns about the proposal to improve school classroom ventilation by undercutting school classroom doors which, in turn, could compromise the fire safety of classrooms putting students, staff and firefighters in danger.

The union also wants clarity over the newly rolled out Scottish Government legislation on interlinked fire alarms in the home, which became law on 1 February. 

Ian Sim, FBU Scotland Regional Secretary said: ‘The safety of school students and staff, our members and the general public is paramount. 

‘At the moment there is too much uncertainty and mixed messaging over these two very important fire-safety issues, in particular, the potential fire risk that comes from undercutting doors. The doors affected could potentially include fire doors.

‘We need clarity and certainty over these plans and the Scottish government must now convene immediate multi-agency talks to establish the safest way forward.’

For more information, comment or interview please contact press@fbu.org.uk