The Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA) has welcomed today’s decision by the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority to reject proposals that would have closed four On-Call fire stations and removed four On-Call fire appliances from across the county.

The proposals would have significantly reduced frontline emergency response capability and represented a major loss of resilience for the communities served by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Throughout the consultation process, the FRSA’s Kent Committee worked closely with firefighters, representative bodies, elected members and other stakeholders to scrutinise the proposals and ensure that concerns regarding public safety, operational resilience and firefighter welfare were properly understood.

Today’s decision is a positive outcome for both firefighters and the communities they protect.

However, the FRSA believes this issue extends far beyond Kent.

Across the United Kingdom, many Fire and Rescue Services are facing increasing financial pressures while simultaneously responding to growing operational demand, including more frequent and prolonged wildfires, flooding, severe weather events and other complex emergencies. Against this backdrop, On-Call firefighters continue to provide an essential and highly cost-effective emergency response in hundreds of communities.

Rather than viewing the On-Call Duty System as a weakness, Fire and Rescue Services should recognise it as one of the greatest strengths within the UK’s fire and rescue sector.

Where challenges exist around recruitment, retention or appliance availability, these should not be seen as failings of the duty system itself but as issues requiring stronger leadership, sustained investment and effective workforce planning.

There are numerous examples across the UK where well-managed On-Call systems consistently deliver outstanding emergency response alongside their Wholetime colleagues. These services demonstrate that, with the right support, the On-Call Duty System remains a modern, resilient and highly effective model of public service.

Commenting on today’s decision, Dylan McEvoy, FRSA Secretary for Kent said:

“We welcome the decision taken by Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority. It recognises the enormous contribution made every day by On-Call firefighters and protects vital emergency response capability for local communities.

Too often we hear concerns about the availability or viability of On-Call resources, yet we know these challenges are not caused by the duty system itself. They are challenges that can and should be addressed through investment, leadership and better workforce planning.

A firefighter is a firefighter, regardless of the duty system they serve under. Our On-Call firefighters display the same professionalism, commitment and operational competence as their Wholetime colleagues while providing one of the most cost-effective forms of emergency response available.

The lesson from Kent is not that stations should be closed; it is that Fire and Rescue Services should invest in making the On-Call Duty System stronger. That is how we protect firefighters, strengthen resilience and provide the best possible service to our communities.”

The FRSA remains committed to working constructively with Fire and Rescue Services, Fire Authorities and Government to ensure the long-term sustainability of the On-Call Duty System and to promote policies that strengthen frontline emergency response rather than reduce it.

ENDS