About Us

The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s statutory responsibilities are set out in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 stipulating the provision, training and equipping of a service to carry out the following: fire fighting; fire safety law enforcement in public and commercial buildings and public events; fire prevention activities; rescuing people from road traffic collisions; other emergency incidents; and a ‘Category 1 Responder’ within the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

We employ 242 members of staff that includes 129 retained firefighters, 53 full time firefighters, 29 officer/managerial and 17 support staff.  Whilst no members of staff are from black or minority ethnic groups, 5 firefighters are women.

Based throughout the Island we have ten fire stations with a headquarters in Newport.  Newport Fire Station is a whole-time facility which is crewed 24 hours in addition to a retained duty system crew.  Ryde Fire Station has a whole-time crew during the day and a retained duty system at night.  All other stations have retained duty system personnel.

We have a purpose-built Learning and Development Centre adjoining Ryde Fire Station which allows us to carry out bespoke training courses which negates the need to commission generally more expensive mainland based training.

The Fire and Rescue Service is structured under the three main functions of ‘Governance and Improvement’, ‘Prevention and Protection’ and ‘Operations and Fire Resilience’.

The members of the Strategic Management Team are as follows:

Paul Street, Chief Fire Officer  

Paul has the strategic responsibility to lead and manage the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, including human resources and operational requirements under the ‘Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004’. The CFO is also responsible and committed to working towards the Isle of Wight Council’s aspirations and objectives for the modernising and efficient operation of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service within the Isle of Wight Council.

Steve Apter, Assistant Chief Officer – Operations and Fire Resilience  

Steve is responsible for providing effective management as head of operations and of delivery of the key resilience programmes and actions, to ensure the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is fully equipped to meet the demands of the resilience agenda. He is the lead officer for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s integration of the FiReControl and Firelink projects which will provide Regional Control Centres across the country with a new digital radio scheme. 

Management of the Fire Control Centre also falls under the responsibility of Steve, along with associated technical aspects of equipment, systems and infrastructure.  

Stuart May, Assistant Chief Officer – Prevention and Protection

Stuart has responsibility for the management of the Community Safety, Technical Fire Safety and Enforcement and Community Risk Reduction Service areas. He is also responsible for Diversity and Workforce within the Service, this includes leading on the Equality and Diversity Strategy and workforce planning and development. 

Justin Harden, Group Manager – Operational Planning  

Justin manages the Technical Support, Operational Planning and Intelligence and Resilience Service areas of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. He also manages the resources of 5 retained stations on the Island and ensures operational readiness of appliances and personnel within those stations.

Mick Keenan, Group Manager – Community Risk Reduction 

Mick manages the Diversity and Workforce and Community Prevention and Protection Service areas of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. He also manages the resources of 5 retained stations on the Island and ensures operational readiness of appliances and personnel within those stations.

Useful Links

You may find the following links useful:-

Isle of Wight Council – The Isle of Wight Council website provides local information including online services, events and tourist information.

Local Government Association – The Local Government Association is a voluntary lobbying organisation, acting as the voice of the local government sector.

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

Directgov – the Official Government Website for Citizens  – Easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government.

Audit Commission  – An independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.

Fire Gateway – Developed by the Government in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Authorities to give easier access to services, help improve community safety and save lives.

Arson Prevention Bureau – The Arson Prevention Bureau website provides advice and information to help tackle the problem of arson nationally.

Firefighters’ Charity – The Fire Fighters Charity provides a range of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

Chief Fire Officers Association – The Chief Fire Officers Association or CFOA is the professional body representing senior fire officers in the UK.

The Institution of Fire Engineers – Licensed by the Engineering Council, the IFE upholds professional standards within all public and private fire sectors by offering assessment of knowledge, experience and development.

The Fire Service College – Fire safety and emergency management training centre for both fire services and for industry.

FRS On Line  – An informative website looking at the future of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Environment Agency – The main environmental regulator for England and Wales. We implement government policy, inspect and regulate businesses, warn people about flooding and build flood defences.

Preparing for Emergencies  – A government site giving advice on what you need to know in preparing for an emergency.

 – For information regarding regional Fire Control Centres.