THE UNION representing firefighters has slammed controversial proposals to close eight stations in Wiltshire and Dorset, warning communities will be left at ‘greater risk’.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) says 96 firefighter posts are on the chopping block, along with 14 fire engines at these stations.

They include Wilton, Mere, Ramsbury and Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire and Cranborne, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton and Charmouth in Dorset.

FBU fairness at work rep for Dorset and Wiltshire Barney Hedgecock said: “Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is already severely overstretched and under-resourced.

“The raging Holt Health wildfire this summer should have been a stark warning that the service needs urgent investment to face increasing extreme weather events.

“Firefighters work tirelessly to keep communities safe, but the reality is that cuts and station closures put lives at greater risk.

“Fewer firefighters and fire engines available will mean slower response times to emergencies, at times when every second counts.”

FBU general secretary Steve Wright added: “DWFRS is facing a devastating loss of resources.

“We need a fire and rescue service that is fit to face the future. Closing fire stations and running the service ragged will only leave communities at greater risk – instead we need investment to rebuild resilience.

“The FBU is ready to fight to prevent dangerous cuts up and down the country, and firefighters have been successful in stopping them in several brigades.

“Firefighters are making it clear that we won’t stand by while cuts cost lives.

The union is calling on every councillor on Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority to reject the ‘disastrous’ closures and has launched an online petition demanding cuts be scrapped in full.

A FBU spokesperson said: “When a fire engine has to travel further, people wait longer. And when people wait longer, lives are put at risk.”

“Since 2010, the service has lost around a fifth of its firefighter. Removing a further 96 roles would strip away another 16% of the frontline workforce, leaving crews dangerously overstretched.

“Demand on the fire service is rising. Slashing frontline capacity will make it harder to respond quickly and effectively, putting lives, homes and entire communities at risk.”