Isle of Wight and Hampshire fire service merger called "historic day"

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) came into force overnight, covering around two million people in the two counties.

Islanders are being told the way in which fire engines respond to emergencies will not change and no stations will be closing.

The Authority was signed off by the Home Office in early 2020 and will be made up of representatives from Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council.

Neil Odin, chief fire officer for HIWFRS (as he was for both Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service), said: "Today we bring together two organisations with rich histories and reputations of high standards and partnership working, for the benefit of our people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"This is an historic day for the fire service.

"Ever since it was decided we would explore combination in 2018, an incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our people working together across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as our elected members who sat on the Shadow Authority.

"I would like to pay personal tribute to the work of our partners within the Isle of Wight Council, whose support and efforts towards the combination was absolutely vital. We wouldn’t have reached this landmark without the collaboration and professionalism shown by their councillors and teams."

• Read more: 'New chapter' combined fire authority called 'sad day' by critics

Chief fire officer Neil Odin

The two fire authorities have been working increasingly closely for the last five years, and especially since the move was delayed by a year.

A shared senior team, control room and Academy training centre are some of the ways the two authorities have combined.

Islander, deputy chief fire officer Steve Apter, who also acted as Senior Responsible Officer for the CFA Programme, said: "This is a momentous point in the history of the fire service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as our two organisations embark on our continued mission to make life safer for those in our communities.

"As a resident of the island and a former Isle of Wight Chief Fire Officer, I have been able to witness the close links and strong bonds that have formed between our teams working across the Solent.

"Every fire station remains open, every fire engine remains available. We are now set to commence an exciting and innovative programme of investment across our sites, equipment and fleet ensuring our organisation continues to deliver and improve upon the exceptional service we provide to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

The new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority will govern the organisation.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says staff were 'overwhelmingly in support' of the change.