Firefighters are being drafted in to help deliver food and medicines, drive ambulances, and retrieve dead bodies during the coronavirus outbreak.

In an unprecedented agreement the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), fire chiefs, and Fire and Rescue Employers, have agreed a joint national approach to the crisis.

The organisations say the measures in the agreement reflect the scale of the national crisis and the urgency of the response required.

Under the new agreement, firefighters will be able to

  • deliver essential items such as food to vulnerable people
  • drive ambulances and assist ambulance staff
  • collect bodies in the event of mass casualties.

Firefighters across Lancashire and the UK will continue responding to emergencies, just like any other day, but under the agreement they will now be able to provide additional services specifically related to COVID19.

The additional work will initially be in place for two months but can be extended or shortened depending on demand.

Core responsibilities will be maintained throughout the crisis.

The organisations will meet weekly to discuss where they can help in terms of requests from local resilience forums, and firefighters and other personnel will be given any necessary additional training and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

FBU general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: “We face a public health crisis unparalleled in our lifetimes.

"The coronavirus outbreak is now a humanitarian emergency and firefighters rightly want help their communities.

"To get through this, we must find ways to work together with other emergency services.

"Firefighters are fantastic at teamwork, are experienced in driving emergency vehicles and, as a service rooted in the community, may be best placed to deliver essential items to the most vulnerable.

"Many fear the loss of life in this outbreak could be overwhelming– and firefighters, who often handle terrible situations and incidents, are ready to step in to assist with body retrieval.

"Firefighters and control staff have always stepped in when the public has been in danger and this crisis is no different.

"The strain on all emergency services will be great, but we can and will get through it together.”

The agreement between National Employers, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the FBU follows measures to limit cross-infection between firefighters and the public, agreed earlier this week.

There are around 48,000 firefighters and emergency control staff in the UK, with more than 1,500 in Lancashire alone.

All fire stations in Lancashire are now restricted to just fire service staff.

The use of our community rooms by other organisations and groups, visitors to fire stations and charity car washes have been suspended until further notice.

Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Justin Johnston said: "We have been planning and testing scenarios like the coronavirus pandemic for many years.

"Our business continuity plans have been well tested to ensure that our service can continue to provide our frontline services.

"I apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment to people who have had visits or meetings at a fire station cancelled but our focus is on ensuring that anyone who needs us in an emergency will get a quick and effective service."

Roy Wilsher, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: "All fire services are working to protect communities during COVID-19 and they will use their wide-range of capabilities and skills to ensure community reassurance and support; doing what they can to support people through this crisis.

“This joined-up approach is testament to the three organisations working together, to ensure fire and rescue services can be at the forefront of the response to the current situation."