[2][1] In March 2007, the Isle of Wight Council voted to maintain the independence of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service, instead of a merger with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

[3] Later in February 2009, plans were announced for a three-year £8 million replacement programme changing part-time stations to full-time.

The extra investment would also minimise chances of a future merger with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service on the mainland.

[4] The decision was confirmed in October 2020, with a report showing stations were "considerably below" the standard of those on the mainland.

[6] The Isle of Wight service had ten fire stations, one wholetime/retained, one day crew/retained and eight solely retained, prior to their merger into HIWFRS.