Five fire engines had to be rushed over from Hampshire to tackle a hotel fire on the Isle of Wight on Saturday. The chaotic response revealed just how dangerously understaffed the fire service has become.

Isle of Wight Fire Service in Crisis

At the start of the emergency, only two fire pumps were available locally, leaving just two to cover the entire island. Fire chiefs had to pull together a crew made up of retained firefighters and nightshift personnel working overtime. Even that wasn’t enough.

Mainland Coverage Put at Risk as Pumps Cross the Solent

With pumps crossing the Solent to fight the blaze, the mainland was left dangerously exposed without sufficient cover. This stark situation highlights the dire staffing shortages facing the fire service.

Further Cuts to Fire Services Still on the Table

Shockingly, despite these glaring problems, plans for more cuts to fire service resources continue. The Fire Brigades Union has raised serious concerns, warning that safety is being compromised across the board.