Firefighters took engine to Portadown pub, inquiry told

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The internal Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) inquiry began in 2021

By Mark Simpson & Claire Smyth

BBC News NI

An internal investigation at Portadown Fire Station has heard claims that some on-call firefighters allegedly took a fire engine to a pub.

It’s also claimed that alcohol was stored in a fridge at the station.

Two people have been dismissed after the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) inquiry.

NIFRS said a “robust internal investigation into allegations of misconduct” has concluded.

The service added that “appropriate action” had been taken in line with its policy.

The inquiry began in 2021 and ended in February.

The BBC has spoken to multiple sources who confirmed that one of the allegations which prompted the inquiry was a fire engine being taken to a pub in the town, where some on-call firefighters in uniform drank alcohol while the vehicle was parked outside.

It’s also claimed that some on-call firefighters drank alcohol while on duty including during shifts that were designated for training.

Image caption, A series of allegations prompted the internal investigation

Investigators are believed to have also heard claims that some on-call firefighters responded to emergency calls while under the influence of alcohol.

These allegations were included in a letter sent to members of staff at the station in autumn 2021.

Claims ‘very serious’

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart described the allegations as “very serious”.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician said: “I believe it’s important now that we restore confidence within the Portadown area and that people know and feel that their fire service is adequately resourced.

“I will certainly be making representation in that regard to ensure that people have the cover in that area that is required.”

Image caption, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart says confidence needs to be restored after the claims

The BBC understands at least one person who was dismissed is appealing the decision.

The fire service said it does not comment on “individual employee matters” but that “ongoing support is being provided”.

The BBC asked the fire service about each of the allegations made about staff drinking alcohol.

It said it could not comment further due to “confidentiality”.

A spokesperson added: “We want to reassure the local community that an effective emergency response in the Portadown area is being maintained.

“Your fire and rescue service is ready to respond when you need us most.”

The Department of Health is the oversight body for the NIFRS.

It said: “While the department also cannot comment on individual cases, there are established standards for all public servants and the public is entitled to expect these to be followed.”

Bullying and harassment at Portadown fire station

Multiple sources have also told the BBC that a number of on-call firefighters based at Portadown Fire Station are on long-term sick leave as a result of, what they allege, was intimidation by some of those under scrutiny during the internal investigation.

These sources also stated they believed these employees may have concerns about returning to work at the station due to alleged bullying and harassment by some of their colleagues.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, On-call firefighters are part-time workers who can reach their local station within five minutes (stock picture from Getty Images)

The BBC asked NIFRS about these allegations.

It said it could not comment on the reasons staff are absent from work.

The Fire Brigades Union said: “It would not be appropriate to comment while a process is ongoing.”

What is an on-call firefighter?

These are part-time workers who should be able to reach their fire station within five minutes of being alerted to an incident.

They carry a pager, which is activated when firefighters are required to respond to an emergency in the area.

Most employees have a full-time job elsewhere.

Many also work as full-time firefighters or in other roles within the fire service.

NIFRS said it employed 800 wholetime and 893 on-call firefighters in February last year.

Sixty of Northern Ireland’s 67 fire stations are wholly or partly staffed by on-call firefighters, according to an independent inspection of the fire service which was published last year.