Crews 'alarmed by missing fire engines' after cuts

The Fire Brigades Union said firefighters turned up for shifts to find fire engines missing in September

The Fire Brigades Union has criticised a fire service after crews turned up to work to find engines had "disappeared" due to cuts.

It alleged the appliances were "missing" when crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service (DWFRS) showed up for their shifts on 19 September.

In a statement, the union said firefighters and communities were being put at risk by the changes.

DWFRS has said it is facing "significant financial challenges".

The union said crews were given "no official notice" and were "alarmed" to find the equipment was missing.

"Fire appliances disappeared from Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Corsham, and Marlborough fire stations," it said.

A DWFRS spokesperson said crews from the affected stations "were engaged with" the week the fire engines were due for removal.

They added firefighters were "informed immediately following the removal of each vehicle, this was also communicated to local FBU officials."

The decision was made following "detailed data analysis" of seven on-call stations, the spokesperson explained.

They said a first fire engine would remain at Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Corsham, and Marlborough fire stations "to ensure we can be there when our communities need us".

A decision has also been made to remove a second fire engine at Poole.

The spokesperson continued: "Staff were advised of this work in February 2024, the decision on the removal of these second fire engines was taken in August and staff were then advised that these changes would take effect by October 2024."

'Deserve a say'

However, a meeting of the Fire Authority on 1 October heard union representatives raised concerns these cuts were made without consultation.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Axing fire engines and downgrading firefighter cover will hollow out any last resilience. The public, and the workforce, deserve a say in their service.

“Fire service bosses must stop playing fast and loose with firefighter and public safety. The frontline is raising the alarm, and the fire authority must start listening.”

The DWFRS spokesperson said the cuts "present essential savings" and will enable reinvestment in cover at Westlea fire station, as well as upgrading facilities in Amesbury and Dorchester.

They added: "We will continue to keep local union representatives engaged and informed with this work."