More than 2,000 people have joined a Facebook group set up by firefighters to save Preston Circus fire station.
The campaign, which was only launched this week, is fighting plans by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to sell the site and move operations to another, unspecified location.
The service says the historic building, built in 1938, is no longer fit for purpose. But the crew counters by pointing out it has undergone a £1 million revamp.
Dozens of messages of support have been left on the Facebook group’s wall. Anne Sayers said: “I think it’s diabolical. The fire station has been there as long as I can remember, It’s someone trying to save money, and they are playing with people’s lives.”
Jacqueline Emma Hayes said: “No way should they re-locate. It is a station full of history and in the best place to reach the local community.”
Campaigners are now trying to move the focus to the online petition, which so far has been signed by about 500 people.
It also has a campaign website, Save Brighton Fire Station.
In January, the neighbouring Duke of York’s Picturehouse said it would be interested into moving into the building.