FIRE chiefs are “putting lives at risk” after failing to fix “catastrophic” computer problems, firefighters have said.

The Fire Brigades Union is demanding a full review into East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s new IT system, which it claims is failing to mobilise crews to some life-threatening emergencies, including fires and water rescues.

But the fire service has rejected the union’s claims.

It says it attends all emergencies reported by the public and the system is working well.

East Sussex FBU secretary Mark Brown said: “Since the system went live in March, we have seen repeated, catastrophic and potentially life-threatening failures of the service’s mobilisation system.

“Public and firefighter safety is being put at risk.”

Mr Brown said back-up systems had also failed, adding that the situation was “totally unacceptable”.

Hove firefighter and East Sussex FBU chairman Simon Herbert said the problem was affecting fire engines’ on-board communications systems when they are out in the community and need to respond to an emergency.

In some cases there had been failures to mobilise fire engines at all, he added.

“I am dismayed and angry,” he said. “We can’t serve the community if our communications system isn’t working.

“There is a lot of anger and resentment among our members because these problems have been raised so many times… and nothing has been rectified.

“Heaven forbid someone dies as a result of this. That would be terrible.”

The FBU has issued a “safety critical notice” to the service after it says chief fire officer Dawn Whittaker and senior leaders failed to launch an immediate investigation.

But the fire service said the notice contained a number of inaccuracies.

It said in a statement: “We went live with a new ‘4i’ system in our joint Sussex control room on March 20 this year and we would seek to assure both the press and the public that in terms of mobilising and the software system it is performing well.

“We have a system to monitor and manage all parts of the mobilising process.

“We are actively investigating and are resolving a small number of issues relating to the IT equipment on fire stations and fire engines.

“These are additional systems.”

It added: “Historically there have been some acknowledged issues with IT at the service and there is a clear multi-million pound plan for improvement which is being delivered.

“The control room and mobilising systems are part of that future and ongoing investment, and we are actively seeking ways to improve the resilience of our service.”

“We will always take the safety of the public and our fire crews very seriously and we remain confident we can respond to the needs of our community quickly and effectively.”