Statement from Public Safety Minister on ambulance fire

Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey said that a full investigation would be carried out into the fire in an ambulance today.

The Minister said that this was a very unusual occurrence and he praised ambulance staff for reacting quickly to protect the patient from any possible risk.

He said: "Firstly I want to apologise to the patient who was being transported in the ambulance for any upset this incident caused. This was a very unusual event and I want to assure the public that the cause will be fully investigated.

"It is essential that all our emergency vehicles are modern and well-maintained. That is why in 2008 I invested some £17 million in up to 60 new A&E ambulances , as well as a further 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV).

"These new vehicles will be used to replace older ambulances and, thanks to a multi-million investment over the next ten years, will allow the ambulance service to move to a running replacement programme which will, in time, ensure no vehicle will be more than five years old."

Notes to editors:

1. Media queries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 522841. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.