Four fire stations in Wiltshire are set for closure in a cost cutting exercise.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) plans to shut eight on-call stations across the two counties due to ongoing financial pressures.
Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton stations are at risk locally, as are Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton in Dorset.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said DWFRS is battling with significant funding challenges driven by long-term reductions in central government funding and rising costs.
He said these pressures include additional National Insurance costs, pay awards and a council tax contribution that remains below the national average, meaning the Service must find ways to address forecast deficits and remain sustainable.
The DWFRS Authority is expected to consider a recommendation at its meeting in February to begin a public consultation on the proposed closures.
A fire cover review has been underway for the past three years, examining data across all 50 fire stations within the Service, including appliances and crewing arrangements.
Andy Cole said the review is part of ongoing work to ensure resources are used efficiently, while continuing to provide an emergency service to communities when and where it is needed, and making the best use of public money.
No decision will be made on any closures until the Fire Authority meeting on 30 June 2026.
Andy Cole said his immediate focus is on supporting staff through what he described as an uncertain and challenging period.
He said: “I want to recognise the professionalism, pride and commitment shown by firefighters across the Service.
“I know how deeply connected people are to their station, and their community, and I do not underestimate how personal this will feel.
“I am extremely grateful for the continued dedication they show in serving their communities during what I know will be an incredibly challenging time.”
Full details of the proposals will be included in the Fire Authority papers for its meeting on 10 February 2026. These documents will be available to view at www.dwfire.org.uk from 2 February 2026.
If the recommendation is agreed, a public consultation will run for thirteen weeks, with a final decision taken by the Authority on 30 June 2026.
On-call fire stations are crewed by firefighters who live or work close to their station and respond when alerted.
