Latest news with #DorsetandWiltshireFireandRescueService
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Fire and ambulance chiefs discuss future of co-responders
AMBULANCE and fire chiefs have come together to discuss the future of fire-co-responders across the south west. As reported, South Western Ambulance Service announced it will be phasing out fire co-responders in order to 'develop and strengthen' its community first responder scheme. Fire co-responders are firefighters trained to respond to medical calls and are paid separately for carrying out the function in addition to their main role. The ambulance service has said this is no longer financial viable. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service chief Andy Cole had already expressed his disappointment at the announcement. READ: Dorset fire co responders to be phased out amid cost cuts However, in a meeting between fire chief across the south west and the ambulance service a decision was made to not remove fire co-responders until an appropriate number of community first responders have plugged the shortfall. In a joint statement from the chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the chief fire officers from across the south west, including Dorset, they said: "The meeting was positive, and all chief executives reaffirmed their commitment to improving the safety of local communities and to ensure that by working together, the very best response to patients calling 999 can be achieved. "The collective agreement is that the South Western Ambulance Service will continue with their plans to increase the number of Community First Responders across the south West whilst committing to not exiting any fire co-Responding scheme until appropriate backfill arrangements are in place." Under the proposals fire stations in Dorset including Beaminster, Cranborne, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, and Swanage, would be at risk of losing the service. During the meeting it was agreed that stations with low levels of fire co-responding would have their resources reallocated to areas where they would be more useful. The statement continued: "It was agreed that in a relatively small number of Fire Co-Responding stations where Fire Co-Responding activity is very low, that lifesaving equipment will be re-purposed by the Ambulance Service to make sure it is available for people who need it most. "The Ambulance Service and the Fire and Rescue Services will work together to ensure that this is handled locally and that this is a joint process. "The chief executive of South Western Ambulance Service took the opportunity to reiterate his thanks to Fire Co-Responders who have provided dedicated care to patients over the years. "All chief executives stated that they look forward to continuing to work collaboratively in the future."
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Firefighters remain at nature reserve after blaze
Firefighters remain at a national nature reserve after a blaze tore through heathland. The fire broke out in an open area at Studland, Dorset, at about 14:30 BST on Thursday. Ferry Road - the only route through the village - was closed, leaving holidaymakers and commuters unable to reach Sandbanks Ferry from the Swanage side. A crew is still on the scene dampening down remaining hotspots, according to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Drone footage posted online showed flames and a cloud of smoke over a large area of the heathland. About 25 firefighters from six fire stations were called to battle the flames. The blaze was extinguished just before 19:00 BST on Friday, the fire service said. It added an investigation into the cause would take place when safe to do so. Sandbanks Ferry has confirmed it is now running as normal. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Firefighters battle coastal nature reserve blaze Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Mobile home blaze believed to be suspicious
A blaze involving two derelict mobile homes is believed to be suspicious, firefighters have said. Crews were called to Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford on Sunday at 17:05 BST and found the fire "well alight". Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the derelict buildings measured 15m (49.2ft) by 20m (65.6ft) and were based in Shillingstone Lane. The service said Dorset Police also attended the scene "due to the nature and location of the incident". Two crews attended from Sturminster Newton and Blandford and extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet and compressed air foam. A fire service spokesperson said the stop came in at 18:59 BST, but the Sturminster Newton crew carried out a reinspection later that evening at 22:45. A spokesperson for Dorset Police said they were called at 17:08 to reports of "buildings at the site had been deliberately set alight" at the old Wessex Park Homes site. They said: "Officers attended alongside the fire service. It was reported the buildings were unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported. "No arrests have been made and enquires into the incident are ongoing." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Firefighters tackle industrial estate vehicle fire
Firefighters have managed to extinguish a blaze caused by three large vehicles catching fire on an industrial estate. Emergency services attended the incident at the Kendrick Industrial Estate in Swindon at about 11:25 GMT on Monday. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said two crews attended, one from Swindon and one from Westlea, and two hose reel jets were used. Crews finally left the scene at 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, the service added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
