Latest news with #DorsetWiltshireFireService
BBC News
6 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Newton Heath wildfire blazes for sixth day
Hotspots are still visible at the site of a wildfire that is believed to have been started are at Newton Heath in Dorset for a sixth day after fire was reported at 03:30 BST on and vehicles from 37 different stations have been called upon to deal with the blaze - one of a spate of incidents reported in the Studland area on Saturday night and Sunday pumping appliances, three 4x4 appliances and a high-volume pump remained at the site, near Corfe Castle, throughout Friday morning. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service said it would review its resources later in the to put the fire out have been hampered by strong winds which have caused the flames to reignite and are being urged to stay away from the area for their own safety. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Distinguished firefighter retires after four decades of life-saving service
A firefighter from Wiltshire is retiring from the service after over four decades of service. Neil Chamberlain, who has worked for the service in Swindon and Westlea celebrated his retirement along with the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service on August 1. He was a part of the service for 41 years after he first joined the London Fire Brigade in 1984, being stationed in Kingston. In 1987, he joined Wiltshire Fire Brigade first being stationed at Swindon then transferring to Westlea. Neil worked his way through the ranks from firefighter to leading firefighter then Sub Officer. In 2014, Neil retired from operational duties, taking up important roles including Home Safety Manager and Business Fire Safety Inspector, which was his role upon retirement. Neil, who is 65 and lives in Purton, spoke about his time with the fire service, he said: "It is a fantastic job to do serving the community and not many people get the chance to do it, so it is a sought-after job. "I always wanted to be a firefighter since I was boy, it was a dream. A fire engine came to visit my school one day and I realised that is what I wanted to do. "Since retiring from operations in 2014, I had the opportunity to run cadets courses. The operational time was so fantastic and there was always a lot of adrenaline, especially in the early days when you were still getting used to the call-outs." Recommended reading Swindon art royalty to open studio doors to public Childhood sweethearts are first to be married in renovated Swindon venue Pharmacy technician speaks out about the importance of working alongside doctors Now being 65, Neil has decided it is time to hang the safety gear up and focus on the future. His retirement plans include joining the local bowls team, learning the guitar again and being able to spend time with his grandchildren. He continued: "I loved every minute of it. It is a fantastic organisation to work for. Everyone is of like mind - same attitude and same principles. "I will miss the people most, you built some great relationships. Even in the safety team, you work together and bounce off each other." A friend of Neil's had this to say about the retiree: "He is a big personality who has been admired and respected by his colleagues and senior officers alike. He will tell you that the fire service has given him a fantastic career which he has thoroughly enjoyed with no regrets. He has seen many changes through his career, with improvements in equipment and safety for firefighters, but he still thinks the fire service was more enjoyable when he first joined.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- BBC News
Swanage Railway steam train 'causes seventh summer fire'
A steam train on a heritage line has caused a seventh fire by the attraction this summer, a fire service has & Wiltshire Fire Service sent three vehicles to a field blaze near Corfe Castle at about 13:15 BST on said the fire was quickly put out and crews spent some time damping Railway, which operates between Swanage and Norden - via Corfe, has been approached for comment. According to its website on Tuesday, the line is currently running heritage diesel rather than steam trains due to a "high fire risk".In a statement, the fire service said: "It is believed to have been caused by the steam train."Since 1 June 2025, we've had seven similar incidents reported in this area."Temperatures have now cooled following the UK's third heatwave of the year. Highs of 20C (68F) are expected in Corfe Castle on Tuesday. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
31-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Women praised for bravery by Dorset fire service boss
Two women who helped people escape separate fires have been given special commendations for their Chubb rescued a woman from her smoke-filled Sherborne home on 26 January, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service Dowdall meanwhile, showed "calm determination" to get a neighbour to safety after a fire in Weymouth on 15 July, were both given awards by the fire service's chief fire officer, Andy Cole, at an annual ceremony at Tidworth Garrison Theatre. Mr Cole said: "In both of these cases, members of the community have shown exceptional quick-thinking and courage, and I have no doubt that two lives were saved as a result." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
