Malvern Fire Station's second fire engine saved
Members of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority agreed to retain the second fire engine at the town’s fire station at a meeting last week, following the completion of a resources review.
During the review period, the availability of the second appliance at Malvern improved significantly due to recruitment and the training of existing firefighters so that key roles could be filled.
It now provides an improved response in the Malvern area and also increases standby cover in neighbouring areas.
Almost half of incidents attended by the appliance are actually outside the Malvern area.
County councillor for Malvern Link and fire authority member Chris McSweeny said: “It’s great news that the second fire engine at Malvern is to be kept - this will provide residents with the assurance that the fire service can keep them safe.
“The decision to keep the second fire engine also recognises the strategic importance of Malvern Fire Station and the specialist and unique skills of firefighters there.”
Removal of the second fire engine in Malvern was first proposed in 2024 as part of a resources review aiming to strengthen operational resilience and improve availability of primary fire appliances.
As part of this process, a number of on-call fire engines were removed from service, with the second fire engine at Malvern under threat due to poor availability and usage.
But the second fire engine at Malvern has clearly been needed, attending 256 incidents over the two-year review period, following a significant improvement in availability, almost three times as many incidents per year as before the review period.
Councillors said this reflects positively on decisions made by fire authority bosses to improve the availability instead of removing the fire engine.
Dan Boatright-Greene, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire and a fellow fire authority member, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has helped to fight to retain this appliance, and thank you to the team for making it happen.
But the second fire engine at Malvern is clearly needed, having attended 256 incidents over the two-year review period, following a significant improvement in availability, almost three times as many incidents per year as before the review period.
Councillors said this reflects positively on decisions made by fire authority bosses to improve the availability instead of removing the fire engine.
Dan Boatright-Greene, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire and a fellow fire authority member, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has helped to fight to retain this appliance, and thank you to the team for making it happen.