From today (8 July 2025), people across Kent and Medway are being invited to have their say on Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) forward plans to protect rural residents and businesses from the risk of fire or other emergencies.  

And with around 85% of the county classed as rural, it’s important to give your views.  

The plan outlines how KFRS already supports people who live and work in the countryside, and how the service intends to enhance its response to risks associated with rural living.  

The proposal also considers the relocation of a water rescue vehicle.  

The rural plan has been approved by the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority - the body that governs KFRS and is now open for public consultation.

People have until 1 October 2025 to take part here: Public consultation 2025 Survey 

Helping rural communities to prepare, act and protect

Rural homes and businesses face unique risks, including timber-framed buildings, thatched roofs, isolated properties, mobile homes, wildfires, and limited water supplies.  

To help alleviate these hazards and reduce the chance of a fire or other emergency, KFRS’ rural plan aims to support people in rural communities to prepare, act and protect themselves, by:  

Prepare – Helping you to understand the risks in rural areas and provide you with guidance and advice on how to stay safe.

Act – Supporting you in putting measures in place and taking action to improve your safety.  

Protect – Protecting you and your home in times of need.

To achieve this over the next four years, KFRS is proposing a number of targeted prevention and protection activities, including:  

Positioning dedicated wildfire response teams at key locations, with the right vehicles and equipment to reach incidents in difficult rural areas quickly and safely.

Working with local people, landowners and other organisations to manage green spaces, helping to stop fires from reaching homes and businesses.

Work with farming and local community groups to increase awareness of fire safety issues

Helping people to prepare for and recover from emergencies within rural communities.

Exploring ways to recruit more on-call firefighters for daytime shifts, and how they can offer more local support.

Increase our business engagement, working with small business groups and rural organisations, to improve awareness of building safety legislation and responsibilities for business owners.

“Reflect the ever-changing needs of our rural communities”

KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington said: “To help us provide the very best service, it’s important to identify the unique risks associated with living and working in small towns and villages.

“We want to ensure the support we deliver reflects the ever-changing needs of the people we serve across Kent and Medway.  

“And with one in three people living in rural areas, it’s vital we have your views on our proposed plans to enhance our operational response and prevention work.”  

Many people living in the countryside are in isolated locations, with some residents who might not have access to the internet.  

Ann added: “To help us reach as many people as possible, we’re asking everyone to share the link to our survey.  

“Or, if you know of someone who doesn’t have access to the internet, please pop by and help them to give their views.”  

Take part in the survey today: Public consultation 2025 Survey