UP to 20 firefighters could keep their jobs as a result of pressure from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

The North Yorkshire Fire Authority announced four firefighters will crew each of the Tactical Response Vehicles (TRVs) instead of three.

This represents a policy U-turn after the Fire Authority wanted to reduce crew sizes of these smaller fire engines to two.

The news comes after North Yorkshire FBU brigade secretary Steve Howley said smaller crews would put public safety at risk.

Councillor Andrew Backhouse, chair of the Fire Authority, said: “There continues to be serious concerns in regards to the perceived risk to front line firefighters and, as importantly, to members of the public whilst the crewing levels at the named stations remains at three.

“It is my duty as chair of the authority to listen to all sides of the argument and to then manage out that risk to the best of my ability.

“I understand the concerns raised and genuinely believe that the instructions I have given to officers is the best way forward in addressing those concerns, whilst ensuring that the risk to firefighters and the wider public is minimised.”

He has announced fire crews operating the TRVs at fire stations in Ripon, Tadcaster, Northallerton and Malton will be made up of at least four firefighters by April 2018 at the latest.

Simon Wall, chair of the FBU in North Yorkshire, said: “We are heartened that Cllr Andrew Backhouse can see the need for change in the way the fire authority works – he has assured us that he can deliver this change.

“The FBU look forward to an improved working relationship for the benefit of the service, FBU members and the public of North Yorkshire.”

Elsewhere, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will employ two extra emergency control operators whilst the union continue discussions to resolve the staffing crisis in North Yorkshire’s control room.