BBC Scotland’s dishonest reporting of firefighter shortages in Aberdeen

(Image: Alistair Linford)

BBC Scotland news have been making much of their recent discovery that:

‘Three Aberdeen fire engines stood down due to staffing problems’

The headline is quite dishonest and tabloid-like in its attempt to scare. In fact, one vehicle was not available last Tuesday and two were not available on Wednesday. There is a big gap between the headline and the facts here. At no time, were three vehicles unavailable. On only one day were two unavailable. On only two days in the previous three or four months (100 plus days) were any vehicles unavailable. BBC Scotland last reported problems in April 2018.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-45128404

How much of a risk is death by fire?

From the BBC:

England: The figures for July 2016 to June 2017 put the annual total at 346, which was 20% up from the previous year’s figure of 289. We do not have comparable figures…