Frequently asked questions

What is GFRS proposing? 

GFRS is consulting on whether to provide a day crew at Cinderford Fire Station by moving 14 existing posts from the night shift at Cheltenham West. This would give Cinderford an immediately available fire engine during the day, while overnight cover in Cheltenham would be provided from Cheltenham East and other neighbouring stations. 

Why is the change being proposed? 

Independent data modelling and risk analysis show higher daytime demand, rural travel challenges and areas of increased vulnerability in the Forest of Dean. A day crew at Cinderford would improve emergency response and increase capacity for prevention and protection work. Keeping the current staffing arrangements means we would continue to use our full-time firefighters at Cheltenham West less efficiently than we could, as highlighted by the modelling. As we need to make significant savings, not addressing this issue would increase financial pressures on the Service and could make it more difficult to balance resources against operational priorities in the future. 

Will Cheltenham West Fire Station close? 

No. The proposal is to remove the wholetime night crew, not to close the station. Cheltenham West would continue to operate during the day, and fire engines would remain available in Cheltenham overnight from Cheltenham East, which has wholetime and on-call cover, supported by neighbouring stations. 

How would emergency response times be affected? 

The independent data modelling indicates that average response times in the Forest of Dean would improve by 1 minute 16 seconds for the first fire engine at all incidents, 1 minute 23 seconds for the second, and 1 minute 11 seconds for dwelling fires. Average first-engine response times would increase by about 25 seconds in Cheltenham district and 20 seconds in Tewkesbury, while remaining within the Service’s average attendance standard for dwelling fires. 

How can I have my say, and when will a decision be made? 

The consultation runs from 3 August to 28 September 2026. You can complete the online survey using the consultation details in this document or request a paper copy by emailing: firecoverreview@glosfire.gov.uk. Responses will be independently analysed before Cabinet considers the proposal in December 2026. If approved, the new model is expected to be introduced during 2027.