Firefighters and union organisers have announced a mass rally in Maidstone to oppose proposals by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) that could see several on‑call stations closed and on‑call sections removed from full‑time stations across Kent and Medway.
What is being proposed
The demonstration will be held outside County Hall, Maidstone, at noon on Tuesday 4 August, two days before the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) meets to consider whether the plans should proceed to public consultation. The proposals, drawn up by KFRS, would:
- Close four on‑call fire stations at Wye, Chilham, Westerham and Cliffe.
- Remove the on‑call sections from four wholetime stations at Herne Bay, Deal, Tunbridge Wells and Faversham.
One station, Grain, has been taken off the closure list. The service says the changes are intended to concentrate resources where demand is highest — particularly during daytime hours.
Union response and possible action
The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU), which is organising the rally, says members are alarmed by the threat to up to 76 on‑call firefighter roles and warn of potential impacts on operational response and staff home lives. The union has not ruled out industrial action.
“We are trying to protect our members and protect the public. So the threat of industrial action is not off the table.”
The FBU’s regional officers, including Brigade Secretary Danny Barrett and General Secretary Steve Wright, are backing the protest. Regional Chair Tim Green has also spoken in opposition to the plans.
Authority and service response
KFRS says its proposals are based on risk intelligence and data analysis and are intended to direct spending to tackle the area’s biggest risks while facing financial pressure. KFRS chief executive Ann Millington stressed the consultation would only go ahead if the fire authority approves the proposals and sought to reassure the public that the service remains committed to providing cover.
“This is about spending money in the right ways to tackle our biggest risks, while competing with financial pressures. I understand some people will have concerns about the proposed changes, but I can assure everyone that your fire service is here for you.”
Next steps and practical information
The KMFRA deferred a decision at its 25 June meeting to allow councillors to study a large volume of material — described as some 400 pages of documents — outlining the proposals. If councillors agree to go to consultation, the public will be invited to respond to detailed plans that could reshape how local fire cover is organised.
For residents and businesses in affected towns, the rally offers an opportunity to make views known ahead of any formal consultation and to ask questions about local response times and community safety arrangements.
| Proposed closures/changes | Type |
|---|---|
| Wye | Close on‑call station |
| Chilham | Close on‑call station |
| Westerham | Close on‑call station |
| Cliffe | Close on‑call station |
| Herne Bay | Remove on‑call section from wholetime station |
| Deal | Remove on‑call section from wholetime station |
| Tunbridge Wells | Remove on‑call section from wholetime station |
| Faversham | Remove on‑call section from wholetime station |
Members of the public who wish to follow developments should watch for announcements from KMFRA about the outcomes of its meeting and any subsequent public consultation dates. The rally on 4 August will be an early public sign of opposition and a focal point for those seeking to influence councillors ahead of the authority’s decision.
This story will be updated as further details and official timetables are published.
