By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
The Isle of Wight’s fire service is under scrutiny following a critical inspection report that has prompted urgent calls for investment and raised alarm over proposed station closures.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) “requires improvement” in responding to fires and emergencies. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) blamed this on “over 14 years of cuts to firefighter posts”.
Jamie Kelly, FBU brigade secretary, said: “The public deserve a service that can send firefighters out quickly. Yet, right now, as crews tackle a major incident in Dorset, we have only 23 of 80 fire engines available due to lack of staff. Slashing firefighter numbers instead of calling for government investment will only deepen the crisis.”
The report comes as HIWFRS proposes major changes to Island services, including the potential closure of fire stations in Bembridge and Yarmouth and the removal of Newport’s aerial ladder platform vehicle.
Inspectors also rated the service inadequate for “getting the right people with the right skills”, and said it must improve in areas including resource use and promoting diversity. No areas were graded outstanding.
However, chief officer, Neil Odin, said the report “recognised improvements” and praised the service’s prevention work, including a record number of home fire safety visits. He added: “We are already making progress in the areas for improvement.”
He also addressed concerns over a nightly software issue affecting the mobilisation system, saying it is “administrative” and does not impact emergency response, with a manual fix in place.
Mal Butler 
Isle of Wight Observer