The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on West Midlands Fire Service and the West Midlands Fire Authority to halt proposed reductions to frontline fire and rescue cover, warning that the changes could compromise public safety.
The proposals affect 14 fire stations across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The union argues that reducing firefighter and appliance availability could increase pressure on emergency crews, particularly during overnight incidents.
Proposed changes to fire station cover
Plans under discussion include the closure and relocation of Ward End Fire Station and the removal of night time cover at Bloxwich, Willenhall and Kings Norton.
Further proposals would reduce overnight availability of second fire engines at up to 11 additional stations.
According to the FBU, these changes would leave fewer firefighters and appliances available to respond to emergencies across the region.
Concerns over emergency response times
The union has questioned the operational evidence supporting the proposals, stating that the service has not provided sufficient modelling to assess their potential impact on fire attendance times.
Steve Wright, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “West Midlands Fire Service is proposing to strip night-time cover from stations across the region, close Ward End and leave communities waiting longer for help in an emergency.
“We have just seen a summer of wildfires and major incidents across the West Midlands including the loss of 19 homes in Stourbridge.
“When people dial 999, they expect a fire engine to arrive quickly, not to be told their local station has been downgraded or closed.
“These proposals would put our members under greater pressure, leave fire crews covering larger areas with fewer resources, and put the public at risk.
“This is not acceptable and the FBU will oppose the plans.”
Union prepares formal response
The FBU has begun discussions with Fire Authority members and local MPs regarding the proposed changes.
It is also arranging meetings with affected union branches to develop its formal response.
The union maintains that the proposed reductions should be stopped, citing concerns about firefighter availability, operational pressures and community safety across the West Midlands.
