FIRE chiefs are warning lives could be at risk if deteriorating equipment is not brought up to date.

A report to members of the Combined Fire Authority warns millions of pounds needs to be spent on new vehicles and uniforms for the county's fire crews.

And it says that lives could be at risk if deteriorating aerial ladders and platforms on engines fail.

The report states more than £3 million is needed to replace outdated equipment, "faded and shabby" uniforms and poor facilities.

It reveals more than £2.4 million is needed to buy 50 new vehicles and pumps and claims morale could be dented if money is not spent.

The report states: "The authority's capital requirements fall into four main areas - vehicles, buildings, operational equipment and uniforms and IT.

"There is a serious backlog of vehicles beyond their normal replacement life. "The life of aerial appliances causes major concern in view of the construction and major risk to life should a failure occur.

"Fire tunics have reached the end of their useful life and look faded and shabby.

"The Chief Fire Officer is concerned that the operational ability and morale of firefighters will be affected if they are required to carry out their duties with outdated appliances."

Facilities at Accrington fire station are described as "inadequate" and "poor" in the report. The station's location is branded "unsuitable", giving "poor access" to the M65 motorway.

The authority is now looking at ways of funding a new building in Hyndburn, which include securing private sector funding. The report also questions the suitability of facilities at the county's Fire and Rescue training Centre at Washington Hall, Chorley.

It claims there is concern over the safety of the centre's chemical fire training complex, where firefighters learn to deal with chemical and gas leaks.

The report concludes: "There is a significant requirement for additional capital investment in the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service which is estimated at approximately £3 million in the short term, with additional requirements for the replacement station at Hyndburn."

Members will discuss solutions to the funding problems - which could include savings in other areas - in a meeting at County Hall on Monday.

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