UPDATE

A meeting of Kent Fire and Rescue decision-makers chose to reject plans to close stations.

Wildfires across Kent over the last few weeks probably did a lot to push councillors and decision-makers towards deciding that we did, after all, need to retain or on-call rural fire stations. But action by the Fire Brigades Union, comment from local leaders (including all MPs coming out against the cuts and speeches supporting this petition at Ashford Borough Council) and our petition all contributed to the decision to overwhelmingly object to plans to close our fire stations. 

This is great news! A huge thank you to everyone who has signed the petition so far. 

However, I have a feeling our fight may not be completely over. Now that the stations will remain open, we need to make sure that the funding and resources for modernisation and effectiveness in the new climate are provided to our local fire stations, and that the firefighters are supported and provided with the training they need to tackle the kinds of wildfires that have not been seen locally before, and which will become more common in the coming years. Stories about wildfires over the last few years show clearly how important local knowledge and expertise is (I recommend anyone interested to read The Response by David Schukman)., and Kent Fire and Rescue need to be clear on their support for local on-call firefighters. Recruitment is also crucial at this stage, and so do look out for opportunities to sign on in your local area, if that is something you'd like to get involved with!

I will keep an eye on developments and come back to this petition should we be needed in the future. People are still welcome and encouraged to add their name so we, as a group, can continue to show our support for our local firefighters and the Fire Brigade's Union.

Thanks again everybody!

---

Original petition text:

Keep our rural fire stations open

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Kent, call upon Kent Fire & Rescue Service NOT to close any of the fire stations in Kent.

Rural local fire stations are more than buildings and fire engines—they are trusted local resources that help protect vulnerable residents, farms, businesses, local heritage, and communities across our rural areas.

Retained firefighters live and work in the communities they serve. Their local knowledge, community connections, and commitment help make our villages safer and more resilient. They support fire prevention, community engagement, emergency preparedness, and response to floods, wildfires and other emergencies.

Recent climate data reveals an alarming future. As climate change brings hotter, drier summers and wetter winters, rural communities will face increasing challenges from floods, wildfires, field fires and other weather emergencies. The closure of local fire stations in Wye, Chilham and elsewhere across rural Kent leaves our communities critically vulnerable. This is the time to strengthen local resilience, not weaken it.

Once a fire station is lost, the skills, knowledge and community capability it provides are difficult and costly to replace. The five threatened stations should remain open, modernised, and supported for the future.

Strong communities need local fire stations. Keep ours open. Sign the petition.