LANCASTER'S MP called for an investigation this week after the city's threatened retained fire pump crew were ordered NOT to attend a major fire on Dallas Road.

In the event a full time fire engine did reach the major fire at a garage on Dallas Road just one minute after the order but only after the crew were able to leave a fire at Forbo Kingfisher factory.

Now MP Hilton Dawson has written to Home Office junior minister George Howarth outlining the incident and demanding the retained pump is not cut.

Said Mr Dawson: "It is quite clear to see what the outcome would have been, had the two whole time pumps been engaged for only minutes longer and the third pump at Lancaster had been abolished. This is a totally unacceptable practice about which the fire brigade should initiate an immediate internal investigation to prevent any repeat."

In his letter to the junior minister Mr Dawson added: "Our population is growing, our traffic congestion is extremely severe. Someone will die if our retained engine is removed. Please do not allow this to happen."

One man, believed to be the garage owner, was taken from the scene with severe burns to his hands. He was taken to Preston Royal Hospital for specialist burns treatment.

The run down of what happened on Tuesday, March 23 are as follows: Lancaster's two main pumps were called to Forbo's at 15.53. At 16.03 the Dallas Road fire was reported and the threatened retained crew were called. As they made their way to the fire they were called by the control room and told not to attend at 16.07. The full time pumps arrived a couple of minutes later and the Morecambe pump eight minutes later.

"For the incident in question the fire brigade saved approximately twenty pounds by sending the Morecambe pump," revealed Mr Dawson.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.