The Firefighter Brigade Union (FBU) has reacted to plans to close eight Dorset fire stations.
This includes stations in Hamworthy and Maiden Newton, Charmouth, and Cranbourne.
A three-year review revealed that a rise in costs, national insurance, and below-average council tax contributions for fire services have resulted in financial challenges.
The Firefighter Brigade Union is rallying its members ahead of the meeting at Salisbury City Hall on February 10th.
Barney Hedgecock, Fairness at Work Representative at FBU, said:
“Reduced fire stations means longer response times for fire engines to attend incidents. Not just fires but a whole range of incidents.”
Hedgecock added that the closure will not only affect fire stations, but also firefighter posts and fire appliances.
If all eight stations were closed, 96 firefighter positions will be terminated and 15 pumping appliances on the front line will be removed.
“This can only a negative impact, as far as the FBU is concerned, on safety to the public.”
In response, the Union has started an online petition to gain support for their cause.
Hedgecock stated that they are ‘happy to interact with the public’ and looks forward to support from Dorset locals.
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) previously attempted to urge the government for improved funding.
However, the financial pressure means action must be taken to ensure that the DWFRS remains sustainable in the long term.
In a statement by the DWFRS released on January 23rd, Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said:
“Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Authority will be considering a recommendation at its February meeting to start public consultation on the potential closure of eight on-call fire stations.”
Cole added:
“My focus now is on supporting staff through the uncertain months ahead. I want to recognise the professionalism, pride and commitment shown by firefighters across the Service.
“I know how deeply connected people are to their station, and their community, and I do not underestimate how personal this will feel.”
The meeting on February 10th will include proposals for the mass closure.
If agreed, public consultation will run for 13 weeks, with a final Fire Authority decision on June 30th.
Train delays set to last the week