A new era of firefighting has begun as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service comes into being, bringing an end to the Island’s independent fire service after some 73 years.
From today (Thursday 1st April 2021), the Island’s fire response will be run by a combined fire authority, which has seen Hampshire and the Isle of Wight merge to become one. Previously, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was operated by the Isle of Wight Council.
It means that decisions about the Isle of Wight’s firefighters, appliances, stations and strategies will be made entirely off-Island, although the Island has just 1 of 11 seats on the authority’s board.
Members of the public will see very little change as the service has been working closely with Hampshire since April 2015, with all 999 calls answered by Hampshire Fire Control in Eastleigh since 2017. However, a new logo has been unveiled and in time this will be reflected on appliances and stations across the garden isle.
Island Echo will now refer to the service as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, or HIWFRS for short.
The Isle of Wight Fire Brigade was formed in 1948 when the National Fire Service was wound down after the war. Then, in 1986, the Brigade became the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to better reflect the ever-changing role of firefighters. Here are a few clips from recent years demonstrating the work of firefighters…
The merger hasn’t been popular with everyone, especially as it was said in 2015 that the strategic partnership was ‘not a precursor to a full merger’ and that ‘IWFRS would retain its identity’.
Investment in the Island’s 10 fire stations is planned as the buildings are said to be considerably below the standard of those on the mainland. Around £3million is expected to be injected into the modernisation programme. It remains to be seen if any stations will be closed in time, although assurances have been given that there are no current plans for station closures.
Yesterday marked the end of an era at Ryde Fire Station too as FF Kevin Beckett retired after 25 years’ service.
Neil Odin is the Chief Fire Officer for HIWFRS. CFO Odin has said:
“Today we bring together two organisations with rich histories and reputations of high standards and partnership working, for the benefit of our people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This is an historic day for the fire service.
“Ever since it was decided we would explore combination in 2018, an incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our people working together across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as our elected members who sat on the Shadow Authority.
“I would like to pay personal tribute to the work of our partners within the Isle of Wight Council, whose support and efforts towards the combination was absolutely vital. We wouldn’t have reached this landmark without the collaboration and professionalism shown by their councillors and teams.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Apter, who will be retiring in June having started his career as a retained firefighter at Shanklin, adds:
“This is a momentous point in the history of the fire service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as our two organisations embark on our continued mission to make life safer for those in our communities.
“As a resident of the island and a former Isle of Wight Chief Fire Officer, I have been able to witness the close links and strong bonds that have formed between our teams working across the Solent.
“Every fire station remains open, every fire engine remains available. We are now set to commence an exciting and innovative programme of investment across our sites, equipment and fleet ensuring our organisation continues to deliver and improve upon the exceptional service we provide to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
The last shout for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was a controlled burn at Woodbine Close, Newport at 01:05 on Wednesday 31st March 2021. 1 appliance from Newport was sent and 1 hose reel jet was used to extinguish the small fire in the open. The incident was closed at 01:19.
PHOTOS – Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in recent years (all photos Island Echo)
I sincerely hope that the painting in Ryde Fire Station has been retained by the Isle of Wight Council and that ownership in retained by Ryde. If not, it should be returned to the artist’s family.
A Fire in London | Art UK