Overview
- The Fire & Rescue Authority voted 11–4 to begin consultation from 13 February to 15 May, with an independent report to inform a final decision on 30 June.
- The stations proposed for closure are Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton in Dorset, and Bradford-on-Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton in Wiltshire.
- DWFRS targets savings of about £1.5 million to tackle a forecast £1.2 million deficit next year that could rise to around £1.7 million by 2028/29.
- Firefighters and unions rallied in Salisbury, arguing closures would extend response times and reduce resilience for major incidents, and warning of 71 to as many as 96 potential redundancies.
- Officials say a three-year review of all 50 stations guided the shortlist after more than £15 million in prior savings, and councillors approved a £5 Band D precept increase that they acknowledge will not close the gap.