New fire team take to their bikes

12:02pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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PARKS and wasteland in the borough will be patrolled by a new firefighting team from this month.

A group of eight firefighters from Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow will form a new cycle patrol across the three boroughs, to spot potential arson sites and other fire risks like abandoned vehicles and overgrown hedges.

The group have had specialist cycle training from the Met police, and will patrol in pairs, reporting any problems to the local council.

Frank Stark, deputy assistant commissioner for North West London, said: "This is a chance to increase our presence in the community and work with the public to pass on our fire safety messages.

"It is also a great example of how the Brigade is working with our partners to reduce fires across London."