Coronavirus: Fire service boss says retired crew in Tyne and Wear could be recalled to help with staff shortage

Speaking in a radio interview, Mr Lowther, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) discussed the potential need for the move, and said: “Recently retired firefighters could be asked back to cover staff shortages”.

Following the interview, which took place on BBC Newcastle on Thursday, March 19, the fire service boss then took to social media to call for support.

In a message on Twitter, Mr Lowther added: “In firefighting many are called and few are chosen.

“Not many people are called twice. I’m calling for your help again now.”

John Pratt, TWFRS Area Manager for Service Delivery added: “Our priority is making sure that we can continue to provide our essential fire and rescue services.

“We have already made some adjustments, including scaling down our community engagement activities.

“We are considering a wide range of contingency options to ensure our emergency response remains unaffected.

“I’d like to reassure our communities that we can continue to keep them safe in their homes, at work and on the roads as usual.”

Mr also took the opportunity to encourage the public to ensure their homes are safe, saying “There’s plenty of advice to help you on our website and social media.”

As of 9am on Thursday, March 19, there were 3,269 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the UK – with 194 across the North East and Yorkshire.