Fire station crew could be relocated to different boroughs under new reforms coming to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service.

Banstead fire station could be moved nine miles away to Godstone, as the current station is ‘not fit for purpose’ and its lease will end in 2025. Camberley fire station will also be reviewed and move to either Spelthorne or Elmbridge.

Chief Fire Officer Dan Quin said: “Relocating will expand resources to make sure Surrey is a safe place to live and work and do business.

“Our Community Risk Management Plan consultation highlights changes we believe we need to make to ensure an efficient and effective fire and rescue service to keep people safe.

“The proposals have been created using data, as well as feedback from staff and residents.

Camberley Fire Station will be considered for relocation as it is over-resourced with the exception of wildfires in summer- according to Surrey Fire & Rescue data. One 24/7 fire engine will be kept at Camberley, the other daytime only engine will be transferred to either Walton, Painshill or elsewhere.

Haslemere fire station will also be staffed differently while ensuring it still has 24/7 cover.

Developing a response model to seasonal demand, such as summer wildfires and winter floods, is another reform the Service is making to offer additional support throughout the year.

Learning from the wildfires of summer 2022, the service is reviewing the location of its specialist vehicles and equipment and will potentially invest in more.

Five on-call fire engines could be removed from weekends and become evening only and on-call fire engines in Chobham, Dunsfold, Gomshall, Guildford and Lingfield. According to the Service, data shows there is no rise in incidents at the weekend.

There will still be 20 day-time and 16 night-time fire engines available across Surrey every day. Part of the Service’s wider strategy aims to work better with other emergency services and help vulnerable groups and individuals in Surrey.

Dan added: “We see a much greater role for the Fire & Rescue Service in the broader health relationships such as how can our existing skills in a much more holistic way. The Service is liaising with local hospitals and South East Ambulance Service in how it can support emergency services better.”

Discussions are said to be taking place around the Fire & Rescue Service helping with medical emergencies, discharge, reablement (care after illness) and responding to non-emergency calls like elderly patient falls.

The Service hopes to implement the changes gradually throughout 2025 to 2030 and review them throughout the process. Consultation on the proposed reforms will take place until Sunday, July 30.

Around 30 events throughout Surrey are scheduled up until Thursday, July 25 for the public to ask questions and give feedback on the changes.

The new proposals form part of its Community Risk Management Plan 2025-2030, a country-wide requirement for all fire services. To have your say, visit https://www.surreysays.co.uk/sfrs/crmp/