Mayfield On-Call Fire Station to Close and Be Sold

An on-call fire station in East Sussex is scheduled for closure and sale. Mayfield community fire station, which operates with on-call firefighters, has the lowest activity levels in East Sussex, as reported by the county’s fire and rescue service. In 2023, the station responded to 6% of emergency calls, significantly below its 50% target, primarily due to a shortage of available crew. At least four crew members are necessary for the fire engine to be dispatched. Following a 12-week public consultation, members of the East Sussex Fire Authority approved the closure and sale of the facility. The East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service indicated that the few incidents reported in the area over the last two years were mostly attended by stations from adjacent communities. This decision means the station’s fire engine will be utilized as a spare appliance when required, and its staff budget will be reinvested in operational firefighters, according to the fire service. Chief fire officer Dawn Whittaker stated that community safety would “always be our priority.” She further added, “We will continue to reduce risk, whether through campaigns, events or home safety visits, by engaging with residents in the Mayfield area. We will continue to send the nearest available resources to any emergency.” Amanda Evans, chair of the authority, remarked: “It is never easy to make these decisions, however, it is vital that the fire authority considers all the evidence and focuses on how East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can best serve the public and reduce risk, within its budget.”