Overview
- The proposals would close eight Dorset stations and four in Wiltshire, putting 96 firefighter roles at risk and cutting roughly 16% of frontline capacity, according to the Fire Brigades Union.
- An FBU petition opposing the plan has drawn about 4,700 signatures within a week, with union leaders urging the Fire Authority to halt the cuts.
- Firefighters and supporters plan to rally in Salisbury on Feb. 10, marching from City Hall to service headquarters ahead of the Fire Authority session.
- West Dorset MP Edward Morello says the service faces a funding shortfall of more than £1.5 million a year and has pressed ministers for a fairer settlement.
- Leaders cite intense 2025 pressures including roughly 750 wildfires and the Holt Heath blaze—linked to an almost £600,000 reimbursement claim—while the chief fire officer notes ongoing financial challenges and on‑call recruitment efforts.