FIREFIGHTERS have described a 30-minute wait for a hydraulic platform at a Torquay fire as 'outrageous' and warned cutbacks are putting lives at risk.

The fire at the disused church at Torquay Cemetery in Hele on Saturday night is thought to be the first time a real incident has tested Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue's decision to remove the Bay's own dedicated Bronto crew.

Water from jets manned by firefighters on the ground were used to extinguish the flames at 6pm and the Bronto was required to help check the fire in the building's tall spire was properly out.

But the introduction of 'dual manning' means the appliance has to be manned by crews from another engine or driven by retained crews specially brought in.

Firefighters have warned this means a delay in attending incidents.

Senior fire chiefs have said there will now be an investigation into the incident.

"If life was at risk tonight, then this decision could have made the difference.

"To be left in this position is outrageous," said firefighter Tony Bevan at the scene of the fire on Saturday night.

Two crews from Torquay were called to the scene of the suspected arson attack at about 6pm and required the Bronto.

However, another fire was reported at a flat at Kenneth Court in Shiphay at the same time and Torquay's retained firefighters were dispatched to that incident.

According to reports, the retained team were told to leave Kenneth Court and come back to the station to drive the Bronto to the cemetery.

This now meant colleagues in Paignton also had to be called in to replace the retained team who had been at the incident at Kenneth Court.

"The residents have probably seen a team arrive and then leave and wonder what on earth is going on," said Mr Bevan.

He explained the retained crew had ended their shift at 6pm.

Mr Brevan was said to be the only crew member at the scene trained to operate the Bronto.

"Had I been inside fighting this with a breathing apparatus on I would have to come out, take it off, come down the lane to the Bronto and then drive it back up the path again," he said.

He said he decided to speak out on the record because of his fears of a potential loss of life.

"It is of huge concern and we can't stress how important these changes are."

The alarm was raised by Hele resident Patrick Lee who saw smoke coming out of the spire from his bedroom window.

The fire at the derelict church caused minor damage.

Neil Gibbins, deputy chief fire officer, said: "The service has implemented a new policy on the crewing of aerial appliances as agreed by the fire authority in the summer.

"This is the first incident which has tested this policy.

"I will be asking an officer to carry out an investigation to ensure our policies are carried out, and that the policies we have put in place enable this back up appliance to be used in the way it is needed."