Latest news with #DevonandSomersetFireandRescueService
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Public asked not to use barbecues on moors after Somerset wildfire
A firefighter has urged the public not to use barbecues on moorland following a serious blaze. Steven Fisher, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said it can take 200 firefighters around three days to put out week, a section of heathland on the Quantock Hills in Somerset set alight, with fire crews working through the night. A rare Met Office amber alert for wildfires is in place across most of the UK, including the South West, following a dry spell that is expected to continue into the Easter holidays. The wildfire alert follows the sunniest March on Devon and Somerset fire service has asked that the public remain "extremely vigilant" to reduce the risk of uncontrolled moorland Fisher said: "We can have extremely large areas alight and, for us as fire crews, keeping up with that is a real challenge. "We want to reduce them happening in the first place."One thing is the use of barbecues, particularly the disposable barbecues which aren't well insulated."We like to say sandwiches are safer, they're unlikely to start a fire. But make sure you pack everything up and take it with you. "Things like glasses and jars can magnify the sun in the grass and start a fire. And things like cigarettes can start a fire very quickly." 'More frequent and severe' Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK senior climate campaigner, said experts have warned that wildfires are going to become "more frequent and severe" because of the climate crisis."The growing costs of extreme weather will only exacerbate the demands on our emergency services and over-stretched councils," Mr Evans 286 wildfires were recorded between 1 January and 4 April 2025 – more than 100 above the number in the same period in 2022, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).Record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented wildfire activity were seen in Garrigan from the NFCC said: "There is no getting away from the fact that climate change is driving increases in extreme weather events, such as wildfires. "We are seeing more wildfires for this time of year than we were in 2022, which was a record year for wildfires and that is deeply concerning."Wildfires are not a seasonal threat – they are becoming a persistent and growing risk to life, property, and the environment. "We must adapt and invest now to ensure our services are equipped to meet this challenge."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paint spraying workshop fire mostly extinguished
A large fire has been mostly extinguished after it broke out in a paint spraying workshop an industrial estate in Somerset. Crews from Avon Fire and Rescue and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFR) were tackling the blaze at Haydon Industrial Estate in Radstock, which started at about 15:20 GMT. Avon Fire and Rescue said a few members of the public were evacuated before they arrived on the scene, and some gas cylinders were removed for safety reasons. At its height, 24 firefighters were dealing with the fire, with a few remaining on Friday evening. A DSFR spokesperson said it sent five fire engines to the scene. A caller to BBC Radio Somerset, Faye in Dunkerton, said: "There was a lot of smoke. "It looks pretty horrendous, I hope everybody is OK." The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and investigations will take place over the weekend. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon Fire and Rescue Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fire crews battle 'significant' Devon thatch blaze
Residents in a Devon village have been told to keep windows and doors closed while fire crews battle a "significant" thatched roof blaze. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the incident in Drewsteignton at about 20:45 GMT on Monday. A fire service spokesperson said two properties had been affected by the fire, with the roof "well alight". At its peak, 25 stations from across the region had crews at the scene and in an update at 04:00 on Tuesday the fire service said nine engines were still at the scene as firefighters carried out a "relief strategy". In the update, the fire service spokesperson added: "There are many fire appliances and resources within the village of Drewsteignton and the public are advised to avoid the area were possible while firefighting activities take place. "The residents of the area are also advised to close their windows and doors to protect themselves from the smoke plume." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Shire horse rescued after getting stuck in ditch People told to close windows and doors due to fire Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fire crews battle 'significant' Devon thatch blaze
Residents in a Devon village have been told to keep windows and doors closed while fire crews battle a "significant" thatched roof blaze. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the incident in Drewsteignton at about 20:45 GMT on Monday. A fire service spokesperson said two properties had been affected by the fire, with the roof "well alight". At its peak, 25 stations from across the region had crews at the scene and in an update at 04:00 on Tuesday the fire service said nine engines were still at the scene as firefighters carried out a "relief strategy". In the update, the fire service spokesperson added: "There are many fire appliances and resources within the village of Drewsteignton and the public are advised to avoid the area were possible while firefighting activities take place. "The residents of the area are also advised to close their windows and doors to protect themselves from the smoke plume." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Shire horse rescued after getting stuck in ditch People told to close windows and doors due to fire Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dog rescued from tumble dryer blaze
A dog has been rescued from a house fire after a blaze started in a tumble dryer, fire crews have said. Three fire engines were sent to a home in Burnham-on-Sea at about 13:00 GMT. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the property was "well alight" when they arrived and crews rescued the dog from the house. The service said firefighters thought the cause of the blaze was accidental and had been located to a tumble dryer. The blaze was put out with two hoses. The fire service said 50% of the ground floor and 30% of the first floor had been damaged by fire, with the entire ground floor damaged by smoke. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
