CATASTROPHIC system failures in the Essex fire control systems are “indicative” of problems with new technology being rolled out across Britain, union reps said last night.

Operators in Essex are on a nine-day strike over technical problems and anti-family changes to shift patterns and in the past week a series of cries for help have been hampered by the new IT system.

In Basildon it took over an hour for an engine to be mobilised to a woman who was trapped in a lift, while in Colchester a fire engine was needlessly drafted in from miles away.

And when residents raised the alarm over a fire in Orsett, the mobilising commands from the new control room to the fire station were not received.

FBU Essex chair Riccardo la Torre said: “These most recent incidents come on top of the hundreds of problems reported previously and are further proof that this IT system is not fit for purpose.

“It was simply rushed in before it had been proven to work and public safety is being put at risk as a result.”

And Jo Byrne, who represents control staff nationally for the FBU, said: “The new system implemented in Essex is simply not fit for purpose and is indicative of many of the new fire emergency mobilising systems being brought in throughout the UK.

“In order to save face, and implement the new systems on time, some fire and rescue services are not testing this lifesaving equipment near thoroughly enough. The safety of the public, our top priority, is being put at risk.”