People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said that the NI Fire and Rescue Service must be fully valued and protected.
Said the Foyleside councillor: “People Before Profit send our solidarity to everyone impacted by the accidental building fire on Lower Clarendon Street and our sincere thanks to firefighters responding to the emergency.
“The emergency response by firefighters was typically quick and brave to ensure those in danger were rescued and to stop the fire from spreading.
Firefighters once again demonstrated why they are essential workers.
“This is why it’s crucial we have a fully funded and properly valued fire service.
“Our fire service has faced years of cuts threatening its ability to respond to emergencies.
“Firefighters have seen their pay eroded and it was only the threat of strike action that seen them secure a pay increase above 1%.
“It shouldn’t require an emergency or the threat of strike action for the importance of our fire service to be apparent to government.
“The fire service must be properly valued and protected.”
