Planned fire station closures could increase response times across Dorset and Wiltshire

The Fire Brigades Union says proposals to close eight on-call fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire will "guarantee" slower response times and put the safety of people across the two counties at risk.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (DWFRS is planning to shut stations in Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton, Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton, amid financial pressures.

According to Barney Hedgecock, Fairness at Work representative for Dorset and Wiltshire's Fire Brigades Union, the closures will lead to increased response times for emergencies such as house fires, car accidents, floods, and larger incidents, if they proceed,

"The longer response times mean fire engines will take longer to reach the sites of emergencies, severely reducing resilience for bigger incidents like last year’s Holt Heath wildfire," he said.

That emergency saw 17 fire and rescue services brought in to assist due to resource shortages within Dorset and Wiltshire’s fire services.

In a statement about the planned closures, Chief Fire Officer, Andy Cole, said the fire service had lobbied Government for extra funding to prevent closures, but that it had been unsuccessful.

"This financial pressure reflects a long-term reduction in central government funding for fire and rescue services, combined with rising costs that sit largely outside our control, such as the addition of National Insurance and pay award costs, as well as a below national average council tax contribution, we must find ways to address the forecast deficits and ensure we are sustainable in the future," he said.

Strain on services

Hedgecock mentioned that recent years have been testing for firefighters in Dorset and Wiltshire as they deal with wildfires and floods, alongside insufficient resources. "We’re looking at the possible loss of 96 firefighter posts and 15 fire appliances, making it even harder to tackle large incidents effectively."

He added that on-call fire stations play a crucial role not only in their immediate communities but also in supporting neighbouring towns and villages during emergencies. On-call firefighters bring invaluable local knowledge and provide backup during incidents requiring additional resources.

Hedgecock also emphasised the fire service's essential role in responding to floods, especially with severe weather warnings recently issued. With fewer fire stations, he warned, the ability to manage community emergencies like flooding could be severely impacted.

Calls for Fire Authority to block plans

Councillors on Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority will review the proposals on 10th February 2024. The Fire Brigades Union is urging councillors to reject the plans and seek further negotiations involving the union.

"These proposals must also go through public consultation. We encourage local communities to stay informed through the FBU Facebook page and offer support to their local fire stations," Hedgecock said.

With public consultation still to take place, the union is calling on communities across Dorset and Wiltshire to engage and help preserve local fire services.

The FBU has set up a petition to oppose the closures.

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