Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

23/06/2026

In case you hadn’t noticed…it’s a teeny bit warm out there ☀️

As the heatwave continues we’ve put some top tips together on our website, with a few simple for staying safe and looking out for others. Link in the comments below 👇🏻

Hot weather can increase risks at home, outdoors and around open water, so it’s important to take care and plan ahead.

With Year 11 and Year 13 students recently finishing their exams (congratulations), we know many young people are spending more time outside with friends, especially around water. Sadly, younger people are more at risk of water-related incidents, so please share this with anyone who’s just started their summer.

Key reminders:

🌡️ Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade
🌊 Take extra care near open water
🔥 Be responsible with BBQs and anything that could start a fire
👵 Check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours

23/06/2026

A director of a Plymouth-based company has been given an 18-month community order for fire safety failures that placed residents of a Plymouth high-rise building at risk of death or serious injury.

The sentencing follows a four-year investigation by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service into fire safety failings at Latitude 52 in Albert Road, Plymouth.

More information is on our website https://orlo.uk/bkfTb

22/06/2026

If you get into difficulty in the water, don't panic -

It helps you control your breathing, stay calm, and keep yourself afloat until help arrives.

22/06/2026

A red heat-health alert has been issued for the South West for the first time since July 2022.

Cooling off in the water might seem like the perfect way to escape the heat, but it's important to be aware of the risks.

Whether you're planning to swim, paddle, or simply spend time near the water, it is important to understand water safety, even if you are planning on staying dry the whole time.

There is lots of good advice for staying safe around our coast and rivers, lakes, and canals on our website- https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/water-safety

🔴⚠️ A Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued across the Midlands and southern England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups. Northern England is under an Amber alert.
For further information, visit the data dashboard:
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat?type=heat

22/06/2026

Our Plymouth crews will be supporting Plymouth Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June.
As a forces friendly employer, we are proud to support such events and can't wait to see everyone there.

Come and meet the team to learn about recruitment opportunities, how you can support your local community through becoming an on-call firefighter and fire and rescue prevention advice.
If you're visiting the event, come and say hi.

21/06/2026

This Father’s Day, we're celebrating the generations of firefighters who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities.

For Nigel Alford, (pictured right) with his son Jamie, Father’s Day is about spending quality time with family, sharing memories and reflecting on the people who have shaped our lives. It is also a day of remembrance.

"My father also served as a retained firefighter at Exmouth, and Father’s Day gives me an opportunity to remember him and the example he set. Firefighting has been part of our family for generations, and I’m incredibly proud to see Jamie carrying that tradition forward."

Across our Service, there are countless stories like Nigel and Jamie’s, families connected by a shared commitment to helping others. Whether serving side by side, following in the footsteps of those who came before them, or remembering loved ones who once wore the uniform, these connections form an important part of our fire service family.

Today, we celebrate all fathers, grandfathers, father figures and mentors across our Service, past and present. Thank you for everything you do, both in our communities and at home.

Happy Father’s Day from everyone at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

19/06/2026

Do you ride a motorcycle, or know someone who does? Please share this post with your biker groups and friends.

Would you know what to do if you came across a fallen/injured motorcylist? Join our award-winning, life-saving Biker Down course (for motorcyclists and their passengers) this July. Held at our Service Headquarters in Exeter, you will learn essential road-side first aid skills that could make all the difference to someone's life.

Best of all, it’s free. Big thank you to our amazing Biker Down UK team for sharing their expertise and experience.

A FREE 3.5 hour hands on and interactive Biker Down workshop

19/06/2026

We’re lucky to be surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes 🌿☀️

With sunny and warm weather forecast this weekend, please consider packing a picnic instead of lighting a BBQ when you're out enjoying the countryside.

Picnics are safer, easier, and help protect our communities, wildlife, and natural habitats. A small spark can quickly turn into a devastating wildfire, putting people, animals, and our crews at risk.

These photos show how disposable BBQs can ignite the ground around them and cause outdoor fires 🧺🌳🔥

18/06/2026

Take care of yourself and others during the heatwave

🟠⚠ Amber heat-health alerts have been issued to the health systems across southern England until Tuesday 23 June, with yellow alerts covering the Midlands.
Early warnings help those in health and social care, as well as anyone supporting more vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and young children, to prepare and take appropriate action. You can check the latest alerts and guidance through the early warning system here:
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat

17/06/2026

Local to Street and interested in becoming an on-call firefighter?

Next week the team are hosting a recruitment evening where you can go along to the station to find out what's involved in being an on-call firefighter, and see how it could fit around your life. Full details are below and available on their page.

On Tuesday 23rd June we will be holding a recruitment evening from 1900-2100! So please if you are interested in becoming an on-call firefighter and work or live in Street come on down!

Our crew will be there to answer any questions you have as well as showing what being an on-call firefighter is all about 🚒🔥👨‍🚒👩‍🚒