THE fire service has assured Dartmoor will be adequately covered over the winter months after concerns were raised over the selling-off of a 4x4 emergency vehicle.

Dartmoor Forest Parish councillors voiced their concerns to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service after learning that Princetown had lost one of its essential off-road engines.

In a letter to the fire service by parish chair Cllr Alison Green, it said that members were ‘appalled’ to learn that the Mercedes 4x4 capable fire vehicle (MRP) had been sold.

The vehicle had reportedly been mothballed upon the introduction of a new Rapid Intervention Unit (RIV) in Princetown [2018].

‘This has left entire communities without emergency cover in snow and ice,’ said Cllr Green.

‘The MRP was moved to Princetown during January/February 2017 because of adverse weather conditions.

‘The MRP has been seen as sold on Ebay within the last month. Residents have confirmed it was the Princetown MRP as they could read the number plate.’

Cllr Green added: ‘When the conditions are icy or snowy up on the high moor the RIV, without 4x4 capability, may not even be able to leave the fire station. This could leave all the residents without cover.

‘In past years the ability of the MRP to travel has not only helped in situations involving fire but also where there has been a medical emergency and the fire service has helped the ambulance service gain access.’

The council recently sent a response to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Safer Together’ consultation regarding the reduction in fire engine cover to two locations in West Devon.

‘The sale of this specially designed vehicle has put our residents at more risk. We were not consulted about the withdrawal of 4x4 cover and don’t feel we are safer together with the fire service in this area.

‘Now that this decision has been made without any consultation with us we find ourselves in a very precarious position for the foreseeable future.

‘We consider that leaving our communities without effective fire cover in the event of snow fall/icy conditions for two years is entirely unacceptable. It jeopardises lives not just in Dartmoor Forest, but also across the wider Dartmoor area.

‘We feel strongly that the Dartmoor Forest Parish Council residents should be entitled to the same fire cover as the rest of the country.’

But concerns were addressed by fire service personnel saying that the engine was no longer fit for purpose and other vehicles were adequate to cover the remote terrain of Dartmoor.

A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: ‘Princetown has a co-responder vehicle which has 4x4 capability and the fire station has been provided with a brand new Rapid Intervention Vehicle which can have “snow socks” fitted on the tyres in adverse winter weather conditions.

‘We also have 4x4 vehicles at nearby fire stations which would be moved to Princetown as required.

‘The RIVs have proven to be an excellent addition to our fleet and we have had positive feedback from a number of fire stations where they have been located. It is ideally suited to the narrow lanes and bridges found on Dartmoor.

‘The older appliance was put up for sale as it had become obsolete due to the fact that we were no longer able to purchase parts or new tyres for the vehicle.’