"No station closures" with merger of two fire services
The fire services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have merged to form a single organisation.
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
Fire chiefs insist no fire stations will close with the merger of the two fire services for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The new organisation starts work across 61 stations from 1 April, covering an area with nearly two million people.
Neil Odin, chief fire officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Today we bring together two organisations with rich histories and reputations of high standards and partnership working, for the benefit of our people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"This is an historic day for the fire service"
"Ever since it was decided we would explore combination in 2018, an incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our people working together across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as our elected members who sat on the shadow authority.
The decision to combine the two services into a new organisation was made following a public consultation in 2018.
The new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority will govern the organisation.
Bosses said the way in which fire engines respond across both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will not change and no stations will be closing.
They said sites on both sides of the Solent would benefit from an investment programme as well as improvements that will see firefighters use modern technology.