Fire brigade callout fees make up just over 2% of the service's cost 

With callout fees charged by local authorities varying widely, some councillors believe high charges act as a 'deterrent for people from phoning the fire brigade which could potentially put lives at risk'

THE income local authorities receive from fire charges accounts for little more than 2% of the overall cost of the service.

While the payments can leave a significant dent in the pockets of hard-pressed homeowners, figures show that, last year, revenues from the fees in 20 councils came to just over €5.87m, while costs for these fire services amounted to more than €257m.