Stop Fire Service Cuts in Buckinghamshire - Protect Public & Firefighter Safety

We call on Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority to stop the proposed removal of 7 retained fire engines, the closure of 2 fire stations, and the plan to expand the operational independence of the Chief Fire Officer without adequate accountability.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) believes these proposals will lead directly to: 

Slower Response Times:

These proposals will directly lead to slower response times. Cutting fire engines and closing stations means fewer crews available and longer distances to emergencies. When seconds count, delays can cost lives, worsened injuries, and greater damage.

Increased Risk to Public & Firefighter Safety:

They also create serious risks to public and firefighter safety. Reduced cover stretches crews, limits operational capacity, and increases the danger faced by firefighters responding to incidents with fewer resources. Communities will be left with lower levels of protection when emergencies occur.

Managed Decline:

This is part of a managed decline of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service that has continued for years, with stations, staff, and appliances already cut. Further reductions will weaken the service, undermine resilience, and reduce its ability to respond effectively to major incidents.

 

This risks reducing democratic oversight, transparency, and proper accountability for decisions that directly affect public safety and firefighter welfare. 

Any changes to operational fire cover must be fully accountable to the community—not placed behind closed doors or separated from public scrutiny.

The Fire Brigades Union’s position is clear:

These are cuts — and cuts kill.

We demand an immediate halt to these proposals and a commitment to protecting emergency response, firefighter safety, and community protection.
Protect our fire service. Stop the cuts.

Our Message

Public safety must come before cost-cutting.

Firefighters deserve safe working conditions.

Communities deserve a fully funded, resilient fire service.