Firefighters suspended over filming of tumble dryer prank

Published on Thursday 17 August 2006 02:12

A FIREFIGHTER filmed spinning around in a tumble dryer as colleagues collapsed in laughter was yesterday suspended from his job.

Andy Bruce, 33, and three other firemen have been told not to come to work after the mobile phone video footage of the prank was e-mailed to the head of Greater Manchester Fire Service.

Mr Bruce, of Bury, Greater Manchester, is seen climbing into an industrial drying machine at Blackley fire station. With colleagues egging him on, clothes are packed inside to protect him from the metal sides.

As the door is closed, the dryer is turned on with the fireman tumbling over inside while his workmates laugh hysterically.

When the door is opened the unsteady firefighter climbs out and complains of feeling dizzy.

But the prank has now landed the firemen a suspension from their job, after the footage was sent to county fire officer Barry Dixon.

The fire service launched an investigation after details emerged in the media last week. The men will face a disciplinary hearing.

Senior officers condemned the incident as foolish and dangerous and said it was bringing the reputation of the service into disrepute.

Deputy County Fire Officer Tony Proctor said: "Following our interviews with the four firefighters involved, due to the serious nature of the incident, the decision has been taken to suspend them until the outcome of the disciplinary hearing."

Mr Bruce, who has been a firefighter for four years, has apologised to the brigade for his behaviour.