Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Castle Donington Station

23/08/2026

10 years

Today marks 10 years since we sadly lost our friend and colleague Paul “TL” Wilkens.

For anyone who never knew where the nickname came from, TL simply stood for “Too Loud” — and anyone who knew Paul will understand exactly why!

Today, friends, family and colleagues, old and new, got together in Paul’s remembrance garden for a BBQ, to share a few stories and remember the man behind the nickname.

Ten years sounds like such a long time, but seeing everyone together today was a reminder that Paul is still very much remembered, talked about and missed.

People have moved on, careers have changed and life has carried on, but friendships and memories like these don't disappear.

A really special afternoon for a very special bloke.

10 years gone, never forgotten.

Rest easy TL.
23/08/2016 – 23/08/2026

28/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100064329203495/posts/1429913432496283/

ONLY 20 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is on to the Loughborough Fire Station Open Day, and we're looking forward to welcoming you for a fantastic day for all the family.

Come along and enjoy mini fire engine rides, live demonstrations, home fire safety advice, face painting, food stalls, and the chance to meet your local emergency services.

We'll also be raising money for two incredible charities – The Fire Fighters Charity and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – so your support will help make a real difference.

Saturday 18th July
10:00am – 3:00pm
Loughborough Fire Station, Epinal Way

Please help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing this post. Every share helps us reach more people in our community, and we'd love to make this our biggest and best Open Day yet.

We look forward to seeing you there!

23/06/2026

Now the hot weather is here, please remember to keep your pets safe.

Even on days that don't feel extremely hot, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise very quickly and put dogs at serious risk.

A window left slightly open or parking in the shade is not enough to keep them safe.
Heatstroke can happen quickly and can become life-threatening.

Please remember:

• Never leave your dog alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.

• If you are travelling with your dog, make sure they have plenty of water, ventilation and opportunities to cool down.

• If you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle:
Try to locate the owner if possible.

Ask nearby businesses for assistance.
If you believe the dog is in immediate danger, call 999 for advice.

Our dogs are part of the family and rely on us to keep them safe.

Please share this message and help prevent avoidable harm this summer.

10/06/2026

Could this be your future?

For many people, becoming a firefighter starts as just a thought… but it could become reality.

Whether you’re still at school, looking for a new challenge, or thinking about a future career, the fire service offers opportunities to learn new skills, work as part of a team and make a real difference in your community.

There are many different routes into the fire service, including wholetime, on-call and support roles.

Could you see yourself wearing the kit one day?

Find out more about careers with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service:

https://leics-fire.gov.uk/careers

04/06/2026

Caravan fire — a reminder of how quickly fire can spread

On Sunday, crews attended a caravan fire which shows just how fast a small incident can develop.

The occupant woke to find the caravan filling with smoke and visibility rapidly reducing. Thankfully, they were able to escape before the fire developed and the caravan became fully involved.

The fire is believed to have started from an electrical item, highlighting the importance of charging devices safely.

******Electrical & battery safety tips******

- Use the correct charger for your device
- Avoid charging phones, tablets and batteries on soft furnishings or bedding
- Never cover devices while charging
- Unplug chargers when they are not needed
- Check cables regularly for damage

Always have an escape plan
In a fire, conditions can change in seconds. Make sure you know your way out — especially when staying somewhere unfamiliar such as caravans, holiday homes or temporary accommodation.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Test yours regularly and make sure everyone staying with you knows what to do if they activate.

A few simple checks could make all the difference.

29/05/2026

If a fire started onboard tonight, could everybody get out quickly?

In a fire, smoke can spread rapidly and escape routes may become blocked in seconds.

Take a moment to think about:
Are exits kept clear?
Does everybody onboard know how to escape?
Are keys, torches and lifejackets easy to access?
Are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working?

A few simple checks could make all the difference.

26/05/2026

It’s Boat Fire Safety Week.

As more people head out onto the water during the warmer months, now is a good time to think about fire safety onboard.

Check fuel lines, gas connections and electrical systems regularly
Keep fire extinguishers maintained and accessible
Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working
Never refuel near naked flames or running engines
Make sure everybody onboard knows the emergency plan

A fire on a boat can spread quickly and escape routes may be limited.

Stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly.