Jumpseater thank you for the information; it is appreciated.
Thing is, I only have 420 words to tell the whole story. While I would love to reprint a detailed technical explanation of the airport fire service requirements, it just isn't possible.
This morning I simply said:
"BAA is unlikely to operate its runways without [airport fire service crews]." We're broadly in agreement, are we not?
Interesting question about the terminal buildings. BAA press office told me yesterday that (up here at least) airport fire crews cover the buildings as well as the runways. I queried this, but they were adamant. In the spirit of endeavouring to find the facts, perhaps someone could advise otherwise?