The Fire Brigades Union has called on West Midlands Fire Service and the West Midlands Fire Authority to halt all proposed reductions to frontline fire and rescue cover, warning the plans would leave communities across the region less safe.
Proposals under discussion include the closure and relocation of Ward End Fire Station, the removal of night-time cover from stations at Bloxwich, Willenhall and Kings Norton, and a reduction in overnight availability from second fire engines at up to 11 further stations.
Overall 14 fire stations at risk across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The union said the changes would reduce the number of firefighters and fire appliances available, particularly at night, when major incidents can occur.
The union has warned that the service has not provided the operational modelling needed to properly assess claims about the 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.”
The FBU has begun engaging Fire Authority members and local MPs and is arranging meetings with affected branches to develop its formal response.
