Ewan death probe raises radio concern

A PROBE into the death of firefighter Ewan Williamson has revealed concerns about the use of radio equipment.

The government's Health and Safety Executive has asked all fire brigades to review the way their firefighters use their radios in the wake of its investigation. It found that some firefighters used their radios at a different frequency from usual to avoid electrical noise caused by the operation of older fire engines - but in some buildings, this can disrupt communications.

However, the HSE report said it was not blaming the radio alterations for the death of Mr Williamson, who died while fighting a fire at the Balmoral Bar in Dalry Road last July.

The report, parts of which have been forwarded to the Fire Brigades Union, said: "If firefighters were deep inside buildings with thick walls or similar screening material, the resulting weaker signals could cause problems."

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said it was confident its radio equipment was safe, but it would review its operation following the HSE advice.