Maidstone, Kent -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- The Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA), is set to make major changes over the next three years, after a review of its services and a drop in all-outs. Plans have been approved to close eight fire stations in the county. The move comes as part of a 25% budget cut proposed by the KMFRA, and the organization says that the closures will help to ensure that stations and equipment are in the right place, stating that five new stations will be built to take their place. “It’s great to see the Fire Service re-evaluating and dealing with new demands and challenges,” said a source from Evo Promotions, a Maidstone-based sales and marketing company.

The KMFRA is basing its decisions on the findings of a three year review, prompted by a 25% drop in incidents, in which it consulted the public to identify areas for change. The chairman of the KMFRA, Bryan cope, said “The safety of the public and our fire-fighters is always our top priority. However all of the evidence shows that we have eight more fire engines than we need, even to deal with a major emergency.” He added, “Several stations – some established in Victorian times - are now in the wrong location, while in other areas we need more emergency cover. We can’t ignore that evidence, which is why we propose building five new stations and closing eight that are not needed.”

There will be no compulsory redundancies, but fire-fighters are being offered redeployment to a nearby station, or alternative flexible contracts. “Like everyone else in the public sector, we have to make significant savings,” said Mr. Cope, “However, our three year review was begun before the economic downturn and focused on safety not cost cutting. Today’s decisions will give Kent and Medway a fire service ready to deal with the challenges of the 21st Century.” Our Evo Promotions source added that reviews like this are a necessary and integral part of administering public services and keeping them modern and relevant.

The authority is also looking at standing fire engines down during slack periods, and using alternative vehicles to get to emergencies quickly, in a move to look at other ways to save money. The fire service also says it will reduce the number of call-out it attends caused by automatic fire alarm systems. It says in 98 per cent of cases they arrive to find no fire. In future it will only respond if it gets a phone call to confirm the emergency.

“We look forward to seeing the positive effects of the review,” said our Evo Promotions source.

http://www.yourmaidstone.co.uk/news/eight_fire_stations_to_close_in_kent_after_authority_reforms_1_1210490