Ryde Fire Station is set to become a wholetime station in the future – operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service battles against resilience challenges on the Island. It has been announced that the service is conducting a risk review of its operations here to identify how it can best meet the evolving and unique needs and risks of the Isle of Wight now and in the future. The in-depth analysis will explore what investment is needed to keep stations fit for purpose, and the challenges around the availability of firefighters – something that has been a particular issue with Bembridge and Yarmouth in recent years. Once complete, consultations will be held on any proposals that come about as a result of the review. It’s unclear at this early stage if this is likely to lead to station closures. Ahead of the review being completed, the decision has been made to invest in more full-time firefighters at Ryde to ensure the station can provide an immediate response to incidents at all times. It is already recognised that a lack of available pumps is a real risk, especially with no firefighters at all at Bembridge. Currently, the station is day crewed between 07:00-19:00, 7 days a week – a step up from the 09:00-17:00, 5 days a week cover previously provided. However, in the near future, it will be manned by firefighters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only wholetime station on the Island currently is Newport. 
A multi-million-pound investment is also being made in the Island’s stations including upgrades to Newport and Ryde to create modern and fit-for-purpose workplaces, including improvements to contamination management and inclusive welfare facilities for crews. Island Echo understands a number of new Volvo fire appliances are set to arrive on the Island in due course as Hampshire looks to move away from the Scanias and Mercedes commissioned under Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer for HIWFRS, has 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.”
