Fire service to review risk on the Island 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is carrying out a risk-based review to identify how the Service can best meet the evolving and unique needs and risks of the Isle of Wight now and in the future.    

Published

23/01/2024 1:18pm

Author

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

The in-depth review will look at how the Service needs to adapt to keep staff and communities safe, while spending public money most effectively and efficiently. This will include identifying any challenges with crew availability and considering what investment is needed to ensure fire stations are fit for purpose.

The Service will be engaging with residents and partners to better understand the risks and consult on any proposals which are developed from the review.

However, as there are currently known challenges with resilience on the Island, the Service will be investing in more full-time firefighters at Ryde Fire Station to ensure they are able to provide an immediate response to incidents at all times from Ryde.

HIWFRS Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, said:

“Everything we do as a fire service is risk-based and about keeping our staff and communities safe. We must always ensure we have the most appropriate resources to meet the risks we face and that we are spending public money most effectively.

“The Island is unique in many ways and asking for the views of our communities, staff and partners is an important part of this review process. We will be sharing any proposals for changes and the feedback we receive will help inform any decisions, so please get involved.”

The Service is also making a multi-million-pound investment in its fire stations. This will include upgrades to Newport and Ryde fire stations to create modern and fit-for-purpose workplaces, including improvements to contamination management and inclusive welfare facilities for crews. Since 2021, £2.9m has already been spent on improving fire stations on the Island to make sure they are fit for purpose for crews.

HIWFRS will continue to consider how they can make improvements in Hampshire, based on current and emerging risks.

  

  

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