Fire cover hit by shortage of crews

A major shortage of retained (part‑time) firefighters in South Oxfordshire is leaving villages north of Reading with reduced fire cover.

Henley fire station understaffed: short by five or six firefighters, leaving only one of its two appliances crewed during weekdays.

Goring station also short: needs three or four more firefighters; its single appliance cannot operate without a four‑person crew.

Daytime coverage is especially weak: from Monday to Friday, shortages often require backup from more distant stations such as Watlington, Wallingford, or Pangbourne.

Delays pose safety risks: Divisional Commander John Lowe stresses that every second counts during emergencies.

Recruitment campaign launched: open to applicants aged 18–55; includes several July recruitment days at Henley and Goring stations.

Push for more women firefighters: neither station currently has female crew members.

Reading Evening Post - June 19, 1998

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Goring Henley Reading Evening Post