Oxfordshire firefighters held a rally outside a meeting of Oxfordshire county council on 9 December, protesting dangerous cuts to the service.
This followed a mass meeting of over 150 members gathering to plan a campaign in opposition to the cuts.
The county is facing proposals to close three fire stations - Eynsham, Woodstock, and Henley, and the merger of two major stations serving Oxford city: Rewley Road and Kidlington. Five fire engines could be removed and up to 42 firefighter posts cut.
At night, only five fire engines will be guaranteed to cover all of Oxfordshire. Response times are already nearly 2 minutes behind the national average.
A public consultation is open until 20th January 2026.
John Shuker, FBU Oxfordshire brigade secretary said that “firefighters across the county are furious at Oxfordshire County Council’s attacks on the fire and rescue service. Our packed-out meeting showed the strength of feeling on the frontline, and we are considering all options to fight these cuts – including industrial action.
“The council is threatening to close fire stations, remove fire engines, and reduce firefighter posts. This would leave communities across Oxfordshire without the fire cover needed to keep people safe.”
