A representative of the Fire Brigade Union has told local councillors that 'people will die' due to a lack of life-saving equipment in Derry.
Councillors heard a deputation from members of the union at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee at the Guildhall this afternoon.
Councillors were told that due to a £2.2m budget deficit crews on shift had been cut from 11 to 9 with the two staff members cut being required to operate essential arial appliance equipment.
Stephen Boyd from the union said that the specialist equipment will have to be brought from Belfast to Derry in an emergency situation such as a fire at Altnagelvin Hospital.
He told councillors that Belfast was 70 miles away and it's difficult enough getting a train or bus from Belfast to Derry, nevermind getting a fire engine over the Glenshane Pass.
Mr Boyd warned councillors 'a disaster will happen'.
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