A NEW era begins in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight today as the two fire services bordering the Solent formally combine.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) will work across 61 stations, keeping nearly two million residents safe.

The two preceding services have worked closely over the last five years as part of the Delivering Differently in Partnership arrangement.

This new service will build upon the strong relationship that has developed and reap the benefits that working together across the Solent has already highlighted.

Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer for HIWFRS, 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.”

The shared senior team was just one of the areas which already linked both services, as well as the control room and academy training centre.

The decision to combine the two services into a new organisation was made following a public consultation in 2018 and will see a solely fire focused authority govern the Isle of Wight’s fire service for the first time.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Apter 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.”

Contact details for the new service are as follows:

Address: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9SJ

Telephone: 02380 644000

Website: www.hantsfire.gov.uk

Twitter: @HantsIOW_Fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HampshireIOWFireService

Instagram: @hantsiowfireservice