The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is a fire and rescue service that serves the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire in the United Kingdom. The service was formed in 2016 through the merger of the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. With a rich history of providing emergency services to the local communities, DWFRS has established itself as a leading fire and rescue service in the region.
History of the Service
The history of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service dates back to the early 20th century, when the first fire brigades were formed in the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire. Over the years, the service has evolved and expanded to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. In 2016, the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service merged to form the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, creating a single, unified service that covers an area of over 3,500 square miles.
Operational Structure
The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service operates from 50 fire stations across the two counties, with a fleet of over 100 fire engines and specialist vehicles. The service is divided into three main operational areas: North, East, and West, each with its own area manager and team of firefighters. The service also has a number of specialist teams, including a hazardous materials team, a water rescue team, and a technical rescue team.
The service is supported by a team of over 1,000 firefighters, including wholetime, retained, and volunteer personnel. The firefighters are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, and medical emergencies. The service also provides a range of community safety services, including fire safety inspections, smoke alarm installations, and safety education programs.
| Fire Station | Location | Appliances |
|---|---|---|
| Poole Fire Station | Poole, Dorset | 2 x Fire Engines, 1 x Aerial Ladder Platform |
| Swindon Fire Station | Swindon, Wiltshire | 3 x Fire Engines, 1 x Rescue Unit |
| Dorchester Fire Station | Dorchester, Dorset | 2 x Fire Engines, 1 x Water Carrier |
Community Safety
The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service takes a proactive approach to community safety, with a range of initiatives and programs aimed at reducing the risk of fires and other emergencies. The service provides fire safety inspections and advice to businesses and residents, and offers a range of safety education programs for children and adults.
The service also works closely with other organizations, including the police, ambulance services, and local authorities, to identify and address potential safety risks in the community. This includes working with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and young people, to provide targeted safety advice and support.
Fire Safety Initiatives
The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has a number of fire safety initiatives in place, including a smoke alarm installation program and a fire safety inspection program for businesses. The service also provides fire safety advice and guidance to residents, including tips on how to prevent fires in the home and what to do in the event of a fire.
- Smoke alarm installation program: The service offers free smoke alarm installations to residents, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk.
- Fire safety inspection program: The service provides fire safety inspections for businesses, including checks on fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency escape routes.
- Fire safety advice and guidance: The service provides fire safety advice and guidance to residents, including tips on how to prevent fires in the home and what to do in the event of a fire.
What is the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service?
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The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is a fire and rescue service that serves the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire in the United Kingdom.
How many fire stations does the service operate from?
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The service operates from 50 fire stations across the two counties.
What type of emergencies does the service respond to?
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The service responds to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, and medical emergencies.
