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.
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 17 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,, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Newport Pagnell, Olney, Princes Risborough, 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.
What stations are recruiting On-Call Firefighters?
Aylesbury Fire Station, Brill Fire Station, Broughton Fire Station, Buckingham Fire Station, Chesham Fire Station, Marlow Fire Station, Olney Fire Station, Haddenham Fire station, Princes Risborough Fire Station, Waddesdon Fire Station, Winslow Fire Station and West Ashland Fire Station.
What are the fitness requirements to be an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
An essential part of the firefighter role is maintaining a good level of physical fitness. Throughout the recruitment process, candidates will undertake a range of physical and mental assessments designed to reflect the demands of operational firefighting. These assessments evaluate fitness, strength, stamina, manual dexterity, and the ability to work confidently in simulated firefighting scenarios.
See below recruitment training plans to help with your fitness levels:
What are the steps to become an On-Call Firefighter?
There are eight steps to becoming an On-Call Firefighter with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. They are:
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.
Do I need to inform or get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display?
You do not need to get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display. These sorts of events are licensed by the Local Authority, so you do need to contact them, and follow any instructions they give. Sales of fireworks are regulated by Trading Standards.
I have a shop/office/business. Can someone from the fire service come and check for fire safety?
We can give advice on how to comply with your duties under the Fire Safety Order, however we cannot fulfil these duties on your behalf. If you are still unsure, it may be worth employing a Competent Person to conduct the risk assessment for you.
I have a small pub, I don’t have any staff and do all the work myself, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes. You are responsible not only for yourself, but also the people that enter your premises. You must ensure that there are adequate fire safety arrangements. As you hold a licence to sell alcohol, you must also record the findings in a fire risk assessment.
I run a business out of my small workshop. I am self-employed, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes you must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions and record the findings of your assessment. This is called a Fire Risk Assessment and if our fire safety inspectors were to visit your business, they would wish to see this to show that you understand your fire risks.
What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order?
The Responsible Person is required to:
– Carry out, or nominate someone to carry out, a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards
– Consider who may be at risk
– Eliminate/reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical, and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
– Take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
– Create a plan to deal with any emergency and document the findings
– Review the findings
What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order?
You must:
– Take general fire precautions
– Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the general fire precautions
– Apply the principles of prevention, implementing fire safety measures
– Plan, organise, control, monitor, review fire safety measures
– Eliminate/reduce risks
– Maintain fire safety equipment and devices
– Provide fire safety information and training to employees
And ensure premises:
– Are equipped with firefighting equipment
– Have fire detectors and alarms
– Have safe emergency routes and exits
– Have safe procedures to follow
– Have additional measures for dangerous substances
Where does the Fire Safety Order apply?
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space. For example:
– Offices and shops
– Premises that provide care
– Community halls
– Common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
– Pubs, clubs and restaurants
– Schools
– Tents and marquees
– Hotels and hostels
– Factories and warehouses
It does not apply to domestic premises occupied by a single family.