Why replace an On-Call fire engine with a specialist vehicle?
Some areas are better suited to vehicles that match local risk. For example, Rural Firefighting Vehicles can reach off-road or remote areas more effectively, while Welfare Units support firefighters during long incidents. These vehicles require fewer crew and can therefore be made reliably available more often.
Will the Service be removing Fire Engines?
The data we collected and analysed as part of our 2025 – 2030 CRMP shows that we do not need to keep all 30 of our current fire engines. Our assessment indicates that a fleet of 23 type B Fire Engines (traditional fire engines), supported by our specialist vehicles (such as Rural Firefighting Vehicle, Water carrier, Boat) would continue to provide effective and resilient cover across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
This aligns with feedback from our CRMP public consultation and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection.
As a result, the proposal includes the removal or replacement of seven On-Call fire engines, which allow us to reinvest in strengthening the Service. However, no final decisions have been made. We are seeking your views before making any final recommendations.
Special appliance crewing and locations are also being reviewed as part of this work. These appliances, alongside the essential contribution of On-Call staff and stations play a key role in in maintaining our overall response and resilience.
Why is the Service focussing on On-Call in this way?
During the process of creating our 2025 -2030 Community Risk Management Programme (CRMP) staff and the public were consulted on ideas for improving the resilience and capacity of the Service.
The On-Call Improvement Programme is exploring this theme in line with the commitment:
Throughout the CRMP’s duration, we will assess the required number of On-Call pumps to align with our new response standard and address identified risks within the CRMP.
As a Service we recognise the contribution made by our On-Call staff working across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and the value they bring to our Service. However, we also must remain aware of the challenges On-Call provision faces nationally, particularly involving recruitment.
This programme is designed to maximise the contribution of our On-Call, while identifying how we can improve our On-Call provision alongside the challenges acknowledged by all Services.
What will happen to the stations if they no longer have fire engines?
If, following public consultation, the Fire Authority agrees to cease operational response from either or both stations, Great Missenden and Stokenchurch, any decisions about selling the buildings or using them for a different purpose would be made by the Fire Authority Executive Committee. The Service would follow the full scrutiny process to determine the best way to utilise the buildings in support of the Service and the communities we serve.
Is Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) doing this to save money?
No. The purpose of this programme is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of On-Call and to strengthen our overall operational response and resilience.
Any funding released through efficiencies in fire engine provision will be reinvested into the Service.
How will my feedback be used?
All responses will be analysed and summarised. The results will be shared with the Fire Authority alongside the evidence and impact assessments to help shape the final decision.
What will Operational Independence look like in practice, could you provide an example?
Any final proposal for a delegation of power from the Fire Authority to the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) would be clearly defined in any future recommendation.
A theoretical example of how this might work is if an On-Call station does not have sufficient staff to crew a traditional fire engine. In that situation, the CFO could temporarily move the fire engine elsewhere and replace it with a specialist vehicle that only requires two firefighters to crew. This ensures the station can still provide an operational response rather than having no cover at all.
During this temporary arrangement, the Service would continue to recruit at the station with the aim of restoring a full crew for a traditional fire engine in the future.
Why does the Chief Fire Officer need more operational independence?
Giving Chief Fire Officers more operational independence is not unique to Buckinghamshire, it is part of a national conversation about modernising the fire and rescue sector.
The government’s Fire Reform White Paper and His Majesty’s Inspectorate’s State of Fire reports have both highlighted that fire and rescue services should have clearer, quicker decision-making on operational matters. These national reports say that Chief Fire Officers should have more freedom to make evidence-based decisions about how staff, vehicles, and equipment are organised, while Fire Authorities continue to provide strong oversight, governance and accountability.
At the moment, some decisions in Buckinghamshire, such as where fire engines are based or how resources are best deployed, require approval from the Fire Authority. This can slow down changes that need to be made quickly in response to new risks, data or community needs.
The Fire Authority would still retain control of key decisions, such as budgets, strategy, and any station closures. Operational independence simply enables the Service to respond more efficiently and effectively to changing risks while maintaining strong democratic oversight.
Will I have to wait longer for a fire engine to respond to an incident in my area?
No. When we compare our proposal to a more realistic situation, where many On-Call fire engines are often not available, the modelling shows no reduction in response times.
The figure of “on average 8 seconds slower” only comes from comparing our proposal to a completely unrealistic situation where all 18 On-Call fire engines are fully crewed all of the time. We know this cannot happen with current staffing levels.
Right now, across the whole Service, we have about one On-Call fire engine during the day and two at night ready to respond. The seven On-Call fire engines included in our proposal were available less than 3% over the last year. This is why the “no On-Call available” model is is much closer to the situation we currently face, and against that model, the proposal does not increase response times.
Two stations, Great Missenden and Stokenchurch, have not had crews for more than five years, so the service in those areas will not change.
Overall, the model shows that, compared to how things work today, the proposal does not create longer waits, and in some areas could mean a fire engine arrives more quickly because the available engines are more reliably crewed.
Will this mean fewer firefighters?
No, we will not reduce the number of On-Call firefighters through these proposals. In fact, throughout the consultation period and beyond, we will be continuing to recruit On-Call firefighters.
If a decision is made to remove one or more On-Call fire engines, the Service will aim to redeploy all affected On-Call staff to other stations in a way that meets both individual needs and the needs of the Service.
What is the difference between On-Call and Wholetime firefighters?
Our crews work in two main ways:
Because of this ten-minute mobilisation time, the nearest Wholetime fire engine will often arrive first at an incident, even when an On-Call station is closer.
Where are your fire stations located?
We have 19 strategically placed stations across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. They are located at (listed in alphabetical order): Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Brill, Broughton, Buckingham, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Newport Pagnell, Olney, Princes Risborough, Stokenchurch, Waddesdon, West Ashland and Winslow. Details about our fire stations and their locations can be found on our ‘About Us‘ page.
My smoke alarm is beeping what do I do?
A beeping or chirping smoke alarm can indicate a fault with the battery or sensor within it. Although the smoke alarm may continue to work in the short term when the beep is intermittent, the cause of the beeping needs to be investigated and if necessary the smoke alarm should be replaced.
What is the fitness test for Wholetime Firefighters?
As part of our Wholetime Firefighters fitness tests you will be required to complete the Bleep Test to a level 8.6, as well as the completion of 3 strength tests. These include Equipment Grip and Carry (testing aerobic endurance and grip), Ladder Haul-Aloft (testing upper body strength) and a Push-Pull test. If you are considering applying, it is advisable that you start working on your fitness and strength in advance. If you are successful at the early stages of the process, you will then be ready for the fitness test. It is also important that you maintain your fitness.
I have a disability – can I apply for a Support Staff role?
Yes you can. We welcome all applications. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked if you have a disability, and asked to give details of the type of adjustments you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role you are applying for, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and, where reasonable adjustments can be made, your application will be progressed.
How do I apply to be a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
At stage two of the recruitment process you will be given a link to our online application form. This happens after you have attended one of our On-Call awareness evenings. You can sign up for an awareness evening here.
What stations are recruiting On-Call Firefighters?
You can find out which On-Call fire stations are recruiting by clicking here.
What are the fitness requirements to be an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
Our On-Call Firefighters are a required to meet set role-related standards this includes a bleep test pass mark of 8.6. Anyone applying to become an On-Call Firefighter with us will need to reach these standards at stage four of the recruitment process. More information about the On-Call role related testing is available here.
What are the steps to become an On-Call Firefighter?
There are seven steps to becoming an On-Call Firefighter with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. They are:
1. Awareness evening
2. Application form
3. Interview
4. Written and role-based tests
5. Occupational health medical
6. Formal offer of employment
7. Induction day
I have a concern about a fire risk in a business or flats - who do I tell?
If you are concerned about a possible fire risk, please let us know.
Our business engagement and fire safety teams will investigate or give advice as appropriate.
Please contact your local fire safety office with as much information as you can, using the Contact Us page on the website under ‘Safety in the workplace’.
If the concern is an emergency, dial 999.
Can you recommend a fire safety training provider?
As a regulatory authority we can not recommend a training provider or provide training. There are many organisations that provide training either at a central venue, or your business. When selecting a provider and course, consider any significant findings from your fire risk assessment and your procedures.
Do you run fire safety training courses - for example, use of extinguishers/how to complete a fire risk assessment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to provide training or conduct risk assessments as this could lead to a conflict of interest.
Do I need to notify you about building works or plans for new buildings?
No. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service are statutory consultees, which means that we are consulted by the Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspector responsible for signing off the construction work. We are notified of all building work through this process, so you only need to deal with one point of contact.
Can you advise on the best place to purchase fire doors, extinguishers or other fire safety equipment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to recommend or endorse any particular business or provider. There are companies who can supply this kind of equipment, and the following UK trade organisations can provide advice:
– Association for Specialist Fire Protection
– British Woodworking Federation
– Glass and Glazing Federation
– Door and Hardware Federation
– British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association
– XACT
I am running an event; do I need a licence or permit from the fire service?
No, although you may be required to obtain permission or a Temporary Event Notice from your Local Authority Licensing team.