FIRE union chiefs have poured cold water on controversial plans to replace two fire engines with smaller “rapid response vehicles.”

The Fire Brigades Union has tabled concerns about Cumbria County Council’s pilot project to introduce the RRVs at Staveley and Arnside.

The fire appliances will be replaced with brand new off-road Toyota Hilux on the grounds both areas are at a “low risk” of serious fires.

The change has now been backed by senior councillors on the cabinet of Cumbria County Council but union leaders remain strongly opposed.

Supporters say the RRVs will provide “more cover” because they only need three crew to turn out, unlike a fire engine which requires a minimum of four. The six-month project could see RRVs introduced in other areas of Cumbria.

Cumbria Brigade Secretary Ed Burrows outlined the FBU’s concerns in a seven-page response to a consultation on Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s four-year draft integrated management plan.

Mr Burrows wrote: “This is a concept to downgrade stations that have avoided previous closure. We believe that without the austerity we are facing, this would never have come to the table.”

“Reduced crews, equipment and water will lead to firefighter and public safety put at risk. The service is ignoring the fact that in 2009 they stopped three person crewing.”

Mr Burrows said: “No one can predict a serious fire, the public deserves the right resources with adequate firefighters to deal with incident efficiently and effectively.”

Members of the county council’s Labour and Liberal Democrat cabinet have endorsed the proposal after a “comprehensive public consultation”.

Cllr Janet Willis, the cabinet member for the fire and rescue service, said its plans made the fire service more responsive to risk and would contribute to a “safer Cumbria”.

The Liberal Democrat member for Low Furness said the project was an “innovative” plan which would see the RRVs help to minimise fires getting out of control.

Cllr Peter Thornton, the cabinet member for finance added that the RRVs were “very impressive, fast and manoeuvrable”.

“They are not meant to be used in isolation, that’s the whole point,” said Cllr Thornton, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Kendal Strickland and Fell.

“I think when people see them in action, I think people are going to be clamouring for them and saying why can’t we have one as well.”

Cllr Pat Bell, the cabinet member for health and care, said she too had been “hugely impressed” by the RRVs.

Cllr Bell, the Liberal Democrat member for Penrith West, said: “Sometimes I think it’s fear of the unknown and not really understanding the full potential. I really hope more people will have the chance to look at these new vehicles before they pass judgement.”

Council leader Stewart Young said the proposal would need to go to full council where it could be debated. “It’s the council that will have the final decision rather than cabinet,” said Cllr Young, the Labour member for Upperby, Carlisle.

Cumbria County Council said the RRVs have an ultra-efficient firefighting pump, carry new equipment designed to be operated with fewer staff and feature the latest technology battery-operated cutting equipment to save casualties in road traffic collisions.