Bembridge And Yarmouth Fire Stations Set For Closure As Result Of Financial Pressure

The number of Isle of Wight fire stations could be cut from ten to eight.

The news follows a public consultation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) Safety Plan for 2025-30 launched this week.

If agreed upon, the proposal would see stations at Bembridge and Yarmouth closed.

Shutting the latter would create an annual saving of around £108,000 - with the land subsequently sold and building leased out for additional funds.

Firefighters currently stationed at Yarmouth would be moved to the fellow West Wight based station in Freshwater.

Meanwhile, should the closure of Bembridge Fire Station be given the green light, it would result in a further annual saving of around £135,000.

There has been no response from Bembridge since 2020.

During this time, as part of the Fire Service's multi-million pound investment into the Isle of Wight, Ryde Fire Station has increased staffing to become a wholetime station (crewed 24/7).

How You Can Have Your Say

The public consultation will run until 29 July 2025.

View the full consultation document and respond to the online survey.

Residents will also be able to engage with the fire service face-to-face regarding the proposals at two townhall events in Bembridge and Yarmouth dates, venues and times to follow.