Fourteen fire stations across the West Midlands could be affected by proposed changes to front-line fire cover, according to West Midlands Fire Service. The proposals include closing and relocating Ward End Fire Station in Birmingham, removing night-time cover at Bloxwich, Willenhall and Kings Norton, and reducing the overnight availability of second fire engines at up to 11 other stations.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that these changes could harm public safety. Union general secretary Steve Wright said the region experienced wildfires and major incidents during summer 2026, including a fire in Stourbridge that led to the loss of 19 homes. He stated that the proposals would put fire crews under greater pressure and leave them covering larger areas with fewer resources.
However, West Midlands Fire Service said no decisions have been made and changes are needed to reprioritise cover. Coventry City councillor Ed Ruane, who sits on the region's fire authority, said the review aims to realign resources rather than cut them, allowing for investment in new training facilities and more modern fire stations.
The West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority is due to report back on its scrutiny of the proposals on 14 December. This report will inform decisions on which options should proceed to public consultation between January and March 2027.