Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is under pressure, with a ‘concerning shortage’ of available crews to respond to emergencies.
In an urgent message sent to firefighters across the county yesterday, duty manager Darren Langdown asked staff to provide cover on New Year’s Eve (31 December).
In some areas of Wiltshire, residents are tonight left protected by fire stations up to ten miles away – despite there being a risk of incidents due to celebrations taking place.
On New Year’s Eve, and into New Year’s Day, there could be a higher number of incidents – including fires as a result of fireworks and bonfires and collisions involving drug or drink drivers in the early hours of the morning.
At the time of publishing, seven fire stations were left unmanned: Cricklade, Corsham, Calne, Westbury, Bradford on Avon, Melksham and Ludgershall.
Whilst other fire stations have a reduced availability, with some only having one of two fire engines on the run.
More than one or two fire engines may be required at serious incidents like multi-vehicle collision or high-rise building fires, meaning addition appliances may have to travel some distance to reach the scene — in turn, leaving their own areas vulnerable.
Part of Mr Langdown’s message read: “We have a concerning shortage of appliances in the Wiltshire (Group 2) area tomorrow (31/12/21), at times we are as low as five appliances.
“Please could all personnel based in Group 2, not currently available, review availability as a station to repair breaches.
“If there are personnel anywhere else in the Service who are available to provide cover at a Group 2 station, your assistance would be very much appreciated.”
Could you become an on-call firefighter and make a difference in your local community? Find out more on the DWFRS website.
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