Fire Service in camera row

Fire crews have been targeted by stone throwers

Northern Ireland's firefighters will not co-operate with plans to install cameras on board fire engines, their union has said.

The Fire Brigade Union said elements within the Fire Authority are determined to press ahead with the plan which would put fire fighters lives at risk.

The Fire Service said no decision has been taken but added that any cameras fitted would be to help driver training and to investigate accidents where fire service vehicles were involved.

The union rejected this saying, in reality, the tapes would be used to prosecute rioters.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland do have to deal with some very dangerous and difficult incidents

Jim Barbour
Fire Brigade Union

Firefighters have said morale within the service is at an all time low.

There have been more than 500 attacks on crews this year.

The Fire Brigade Union said there were fears that moves to install cameras on their appliances would make them the target of more attacks.

"Firefighters in Northern Ireland do have to deal with some very dangerous and difficult incidents, often in interface areas," said spokesman Jim Barbour.

"Clearly we want to maintain our position of neutrality. We have done that for the last 30 years or more and we don't want to see that damaged by one or two mavericks in the Fire Authority."

Strike ballot

The row comes as a major distraction in a week when members were balloted on strike action.

The union is seeking a 40% pay rise, which would see salaries for fully qualified firefighters rise to about £30,000.

Employers are offering 4% as an interim deal, plus whatever an independent government review recommends should be linked to new ways of working.

If union members reject the deal, strike action could begin by the end of October.