Public consultation on fire station closures begins today
Eight on-call stations across Dorset and Wiltshire could close to bridge a funding gap
Last updated 13th Feb 2026
People across Wiltshire are being urged to have their say in a public consultation on the proposed closure of four fire stations in the county.
Earlier this week, the Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) voted in favour of a consultation, which begins today (13/2) and will last for 13 weeks.
It's after Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it needed to close eight on-call stations in order to fill a funding black hole of over a million pounds, and safeguard the future of the service.
DWFRS blames a decade of funding cuts from central Government for leaving it in this position, insisting it's done everything it can to make efficiencies before resorting to closing stations.
We can find the consultation online here.
Several days of consultation events are expected to be carried out across Dorset and Wiltshire throughout March and April.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said it's crucial that the consultation hears from as many people as possible.
"No decision has been made at this stage," he said. "These are still proposals.
"It's vitally important that as many people as possible express their views through that. public consultation is the only mechanism by which feedback will be received by the Fire Authority."
Local MP wants all alternatives explored
One of the quartet of Wiltshire stations slated for closure is Bradford-on-Avon, and local MP Brian Mathew says it's highly concerning that the Fire Service feels closures are necessary.
He warned that the cuts would see workforce numbers slashed by 14% but only for an annual saving of £890,000 from closing the Wiltshire stations.
"Dorset and Wiltshire is already one of the lowest per capita funded services in England. And that's despite the rising population and instant numbers. So there's no doubt that the Fire Authority and service management is under pressure and facing tough choices," Dr Mathew said.
He added that potential increases in response times could be critical to life, while there is a growing population within his Melksham and Devizes constituency, which could see those times balloon even further.
Dr Mathew said: "I want to ensure all other avenues are explored before losing stations, because let's be clear, once these stations are closed, the land and buildings sold, they're not coming back."
More homes means need sustainable services
Dr Mathew said there are many concerns that the consultation needs to help address, such as the rising threat of climate-related incidents, such as flooding, to future population growth and the geography of the local area, which he says is best understood by those living locally.
"Our local community pays for its fire service through council tax precept, so residents have every right to be heard. Their views will help achieve a clear picture of the impact of station closures," he said.
He's echoed calls for greater Government funding, saying it is desperately needed to ensure the rising number of homes being built is properly served by emergency serves.
An MHCLG spokespersons said: “We continue to work closely with fire and rescue services to ensure they have the resources they need.
“The Final Local Government Finance settlement was published on 9 February and sets out further detail on funding for fire and rescue services.”