Plans to close several Oxfordshire fire stations may have been withdrawn earlier this year, but the possibility of future changes to the county’s emergency response network remains under consideration.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that while there are currently no plans to close stations at Woodstock, Eynsham or Henley, longer-term discussions about the shape of the service continue.
The issue has resurfaced following proposals for a major new science district in north Oxford, which include plans for a potential new fire station that could eventually affect the future role of existing stations at Rewley Road in Oxford and Kidlington.
The £900 million development proposals, led by Exeter College, include provision for a new fire station as part of wider infrastructure plans. However, the fire service stressed that no decisions have been made.
An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “There are currently no proposals under consideration to close any fire stations in relation to this work.”
They added that any potential future station in north Oxford “would require further work before any decisions are made”.
Previous closure plans withdrawn after opposition
Earlier in 2026, proposals to close several stations and remove fire engines were withdrawn following significant public opposition, consultation concerns and the prospect of industrial action.
The withdrawn plans included the closure of Woodstock, Eynsham and Henley fire stations, but the fire service has now confirmed these stations remain open and that efforts are instead focused on improving recruitment and availability of on-call firefighters.
“There are no plans to close these stations,” the service said, adding that it is working with local communities to improve firefighter availability.
However, discussions around the wider future operating model have continued, including questions about whether earlier proposals could return in another form.
Councillors raise concerns over future cuts
At a meeting of Oxfordshire County Council on June 30, councillors from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the possibility of previous proposals resurfacing.
Questions were asked about whether “draconian cuts” could simply return at a later stage and what any changes could mean for emergency response coverage, particularly in Oxford.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for resources Neil Fawcett said no decisions had been made, but acknowledged there were difficult choices ahead.
He said the current model places significant resources into protecting “historic buildings in the centre of Oxford”, describing this as “perfectly reasonable”, but added that it means other parts of the county receive a different level of service.
Mr Fawcett said discussions had started with representatives of the Fire Brigades Union, chaired by an independent person, to explore possible changes to the service.
Workforce changes also under discussion
Alongside potential station changes, the fire service is also discussing revised shift patterns with the Fire Brigades Union.
One proposal involves introducing 12-hour day shifts at five currently on-call fire stations as part of efforts to improve firefighter availability.
The fire service said it “continues to engage with our colleagues and the FBU” as part of work to review and develop its future operating model.
While no fire station closures are currently planned, the future of Oxfordshire’s fire service remains under review, with decisions expected to depend on funding pressures, workforce arrangements and the county’s changing infrastructure needs.
