Fire Service Firefighters ‘lucky to be alive’ after huge explosion

• DIY fire engine offers new mini-pump alternative
  A pioneering mini fire engine, assembled in-house by a fire service, went on show for the first time yesterday.
• Essex firefighter union to ballot on strike action
  Firefighters in Essex are to be balloted on strike action in protest over job cuts and changes.
• Taxman demands £140k fire payout
  A cash-strapped fire service has been landed with a £140,000 tax bill in the latest stage of a national dispute over firefighters' pay and conditions.
‘I’ve loved my 27 years as fireman’
A long-serving Keighley firefighter who has just retired said he had loved his job, but feared for the fire service’s future.

Fire station to get a gym, TV lounge and quiet room
Cambridge's new fire station is due to open in 10 months – and will boast a gym, TV lounge and a “quiet room”.

Fire union bid to stop 999 call centre move
Fire-fighters in Lancashire are continuing in their fight to overturn a decision which will see their emergency call centre moved 30 miles away .

Flooding in Suffolk: Fire crews 'fully stretched'
Flooding across Suffolk has left the fire service "fully stretched".

Loss of firefighter jobs will 'put public at risk'
The looming loss of hundreds of firefighter jobs across the North-East will put lives at risk, the Government was warned yesterday.

Fire service is recognised for hiring women
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been named among the country's best employers for women.