Wilton man fiercely opposes closure of Fire Station that saved his life
John Hagger calls for government action to prevent shutdown of critical emergency service
A man who's life was saved by fire crews in Wilton says he's furious at proposals to close fire stations in Wiltshire and Dorset.
Yesterday (10/2) the Fire and Rescue Authority agreed to put proposals to shut eight on-call fire stations to a public consultaiton.
The plans were made by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, with Chief Fire Officer, Andy Cole, saying it's the only option he has to bridge a funding gap, which he says is down to years of reduced funding from Government.
John Hagger, a longtime Wilton resident, is vehemently against the proposed closure of Wilton Fire Station, emphasizing the essential role it plays in safeguarding the community.
The station, which supports both Wilton and Salisbury areas, was instrumental in saving both John and his mother during a perilous chimney fire at their home.
Reflecting on the incident, John recalled how Wilton Fire Station's rapid response was crucial in preventing a tragic outcome.
"They turned up at one o'clock in the morning and hammered on the door, ready to put the fire out," he said. "If they hadn't have been there, both of us would have probably died of smoke inhalation."
Appeal for government intervention
John's opposition to the station's closure is deeply personal, given its life-saving impact on his family.
He expressed anger towards governmental decisions putting local fire services in jeopardy, calling on officials to listen to community members and protect valuable emergency services.
"They do an important role, the bravery and heroism," he stressed. "It's the government doing this to the fire service. They need to find some money from somewhere to keep it open."
Community reliance on fire services
The proposed closure of Wilton Fire Station is not just a concern for John but affects many residents who rely on its assistance. The station often backs up Salisbury, ensuring comprehensive emergency coverage, and Hagger warns that shutting it down compromises public safety.
As the community continues to express their concerns, John is calling for practical solutions and funding to secure the station's future and prevent further risk to local residents.