Fire crews have warned the “worst cuts” they have ever seen are a threat to the safety of the public and firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union has described plans to replace ten fire stations with five new stations – with the loss of 135 front-line firefighters – as a “bonfire of the fire service”.

Stations are planned for Menston, Rastrick, Killingbeck, South Kirby and Batley Carr, to replace stations at Rawdon, Otley, Brighouse Elland, Gipton, Stanks, Hemsworth, South Elmsall, Batley and Dewsbury.

The plan also says a second engine at Silsden should become a back-up appliance based at Keighley.

Yorkshire FBU regional secretary Pete Smith said the cuts will result in longer attendance times with fewer stations, and crews and appliances spread more thinly.

He said: “These cuts are the worst we have ever seen and come on the back of already-serious cuts to the service in recent years.

“Make no mistake, they are a threat to the safety of the public and firefighters – this is a bonfire of the fire service. There will be a greater risk to life, to homes and businesses.”

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling ordered the review of fire cover last year, in advance of news the county could stand to lose £18m in government funding over the next four years.

The plans, which will be decided at the authority’s meeting on Friday, December 16, could save £4m a year, according to bosses.

The authority, which is currently consulting on the plans, has stressed all 102 full-time firefighter posts will be lost through natural wastage.

The service’s area manager Steve Rhodes said: “Considerable effort and thought has been put into determining where the changes that have the least impact should be made.

“This is based on externally-provided scientific analysis, local knowledge and professional judgement.”

In August Coun Graham Latty (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) told the Telegraph & Argus he was against the plans.

He said: “I’m sure minds greater than mine have done a lot of thinking about this, but it makes me wonder why they think placing a fire station in Menston, a small village on the far periphery of our ward, is going to be any use to people living in Yeadon and Rawdon.”

Formal representations must be received by Friday, December 9.