HYNDBURN would lose one of its three fire engines in cutback proposals aimed at saving £5 million across Lancashire to be announced today.

The loss of the Accrington-based pump will come with an assurance that the 18 others at 11 stations across the east of the county will be safe for at least four years.

The plans, described by the union as “carnage”, will be considered by the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority’s planning committee next Thursday.

Hyndburn borough councillor and Tory fire authority member Peter Britcliffe has promised to fight the removal of the full-time appliance which is crewed by 24 firefighters paid between £20,000 and £30,000 a year on a four-watch system.

The axeing of the pump is expected to save £1 million with the Blackpool area likely to bear the brunt of the cuts need to find the remaining £4 million over three years.

The proposals in the Emergency Cover Review covering four years to be unveiled later today will leave existing appliance and staff numbers at stations in Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Padiham, Nelson, Colne, Earby, Bacup, Barnoldswick, Rawtenstall and Haslingden unaffected.

Coun Britcliffe said: “I am appalled.

“I am extremely concerned about this proposal.

“I do not believe the cover can be safely replaced from Blackburn and Burnley.

“I shall fight to keep the pump at Accrington.”

Chief fire officer Chris Kenny believes that with Accrington being one of only 14 stations in the country with three appliances and an extra six seconds on the response time from neighbouring stations, the change is safe.

Steve Harman, Lancashire secretary of the Fire Brigades Union disagreed: “These cuts are unsustainable.

“They will result in carnage.

“The authority is looking to cut 160 to 170 frontline firefighters.

“This will compromise safety for them, the pubic and property.”

Hyndburn council leader and authority vice-chair Miles Parkinson, who will chair Thursday’s meeting, said: “I cannot comment on unpublished proposals but I am sure the safety of the public will be maintained.”

Pendle Tory MP Andrew Stephenson said: “The number of incidents the fire brigade is called to has fallen dramatically.

“I am sure the reductions being proposed can be made safely.”