One of Swindon’s main fire stations has so far been closed for most of today due to a lack of firefighters, according to a credible source.
Stratton Community Fire Station, which has a water rescue unit, didn’t have enough firefighters to crew even one of their fire engines this morning.
60% of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service crew are on-call retained firefighters, which work hours that suit around their work and home life.
It is understood that for most of today, the station has been unable to attend incidents – leaving fires on their patch to be attended by Swindon and Westlea crews.
Our source informed us that a fire appliance must have five firefighters on-board to attend an incident, but five firefighters were not available earlier today.
They also said that this circumstance is due to cuts to the fire service.
