Hampshire to manage Isle of Wight Fire Service

Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service will be managed by Hampshire's fire chief

The Isle of Wight's fire is to be managed from mainland UK.

Hampshire's fire authority voted in favour of forming the partnership with Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue.

Under the deal, Hampshire will provide strategic leadership, although both services will retain their political independence and corporate identity.

The partnership had already been endorsed by island councillors and is aimed at "assisting both authorities in meeting their financial challenges".

Hampshire's chief fire officer and his team are to manage the island's services.

'Frontline posts'

Subject to a consultation, the island's three senior officers will be transferred to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, with the area and group manager remaining on the island.

Councillor Royston Smith, chairman of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said it was "the first partnership of its type in the UK fire and rescue service".

Councillor Phil Jordan, executive member for public protection and PFI for Isle of Wight Council, said: "By sharing management expertise, we are able to retain fire stations and maintain frontline firefighter posts while enhancing services for residents."

In 2012, the Isle of Wight's fire control merged with Surrey and both fire brigades' call outs are co-ordinated from a centre in Reigate.