Members of the public are invited to share their views on the future direction of West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) through an eight-week public consultation.

The feedback gathered will inform the development of detailed proposals for a second phase of consultation later this year.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill has said that this is an appropriate time to review how WMFS delivers services to communities across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton, ensuring it remains effective and sustainable.

He said: “West Midlands Fire Service has served our communities for over fifty years, yet our operating model has stayed broadly the same for more than a decade. We need to explore how we can remain effective, trusted, and there when people need us.”

“Several of our sites need major investment, so we can deliver the levels of service our communities expect. They need to be accessible and safe for our staff and visitors alike, with proper training and welfare facilities.

“The types of emergencies and risks for which we need to be prepared are changing. From climate change and flooding, through to people living longer and some becoming more vulnerable – our current model has to change to meet these complexities.”

The online survey seeks views on a range of potential options, including whether resources should be redistributed and firefighter shift patterns rebalanced, with the aim of releasing funds for reinvestment into frontline service delivery.

Respondents are also invited to comment on how any financial savings should be reinvested, as well as the future risks and challenges the service should prioritise.

CFO Tuhill added: “We’re proud to reach the most serious incidents within five minutes. We know it increases someone’s chances of survival. Our analysis shows that, by altering the number of our stations to match risk and demand, we could maintain that standard and invest more in the stations we keep.

“However, no decisions have been made. This initial round of consultation is a chance for our communities to help us reimagine how we could operate, while keeping response times and public safety front and centre.”

Councillor Cathryn Bayton, Chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “The firefighters, control staff and support teams who serve the West Midlands every day make a real difference in keeping people safe. This consultation is about making sure they can continue to do so into the future, making the very best use of public money.

“We are not making decisions at this stage – we are asking for views. With financial pressures and new risks facing our communities, we do need to consider change.

“We want to hear from our communities, staff and partner organisations. Our final proposals will then be shared publicly for further consultation later in the year, before anything is agreed.”

The WMFS public consultation runs from Monday 19 January to 11.59pm on Sunday 15 March 2026. The survey is available via the service’s website

Access the survey here: https://wmfs.link/3LkwXIo

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