Sturminster Newton Fire Station

08/06/2026

🚒 The Firefighter Next Door: Meet Lee 🌟

It’s been a little while since we’ve introduced you to some of the faces behind Sturminster Newton Fire Station and with a couple of new firefighters joining the station we thought it was the perfect time to bring back our Firefighter Next Door series!

You might run into Lee around town, at work, or out in the community—but did you know he’s also an On-Call Firefighter, ready to respond when his community needs him most?

💼 Day Job: Blacksmith

🌟 What Inspired Me: “I always wanted to see if I had what it takes physically and mentally. I also wanted to be part of a team and help my local community.”

🔥 Favorite Part: “Being part of a team, the rush when the pager goes off, learning new skills, and having a great reason to stay fit.”

🎉 When I’m Not on Call: “I’m a keen drummer and have been playing since I was 8 years old. I also have a unique claim to fame—I’m a Space Olympian! In 2015, I travelled to Moscow to take part in the 13th International Space Olympics.”

➡️ Could you be the firefighter next door? Apply today: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/ or come along to one of our training nights on Mondays from 18:30–21:00.

10/05/2026

An Amber Wildfire Alert has been issued for the Dorset & Wiltshire area.

An Amber alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.

What should you do if you discover a wildfire?

❌Keep a safe distance - never try to tackle the fire yourself
☎️ Call 999 and ask for the fire service
📍 Give location of the fire - If necessary use the what3words app

If you see suspicious behaviour, report it to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111 (100% Anonymous)
📲Report deliberate fires
🛡️Protect your community
🔥Prevent Wildfires

For more information visit www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety/

20/04/2026

19/04/2026

We are currently dealing with a property fire in Kingston near Hazelbury Bryan. Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke in the area.

Back Lane is also closed due to the number of appliances in attendance.

07/04/2026

🚒 ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS WANTED 🚒

🚨 Individuals — could you respond when your community needs you most?
We’re looking for committed people to join our on-call crew. As an on-call firefighter, you could respond to emergencies from home or work, protect your community, learn lifesaving skills, and be part of a close-knit team. No experience is needed as full training is provided.

To apply, you’ll need to live or work within 5 minutes of the station, be available to respond to calls, and be physically fit and motivated.

👔 Local employers — can you support your staff to do this?
On-call firefighters often respond directly from their workplace. By allowing staff the flexibility to attend emergency calls, you are supporting a vital emergency service, helping protect your community, and playing a direct role in saving lives. We understand this requires flexibility, and any level of support makes a real difference.

This is more than a role — it’s a chance to be there when your community needs you most.

👉 Find out more and apply: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/

07/04/2026

🚨 Fire Call – Standby / Fire Building (Other)
🗓 Date: 07/04/2026
🕓 Time of Call: 05:28
📍 Location: Winterborne Kingston

At 05:28, we were mobilised to standby at Blandford Fire Station whilst crews dealt with an ongoing incident. Whilst en route, we were subsequently mobilised to assist at the incident.

Crews from Blandford (two appliances) and Sturminster Newton, supported by a water carrier from Poole Fire Station attended the incident.

The incident involved a single-storey, timber-framed building that was fully involved in fire on arrival. Firefighters used three main jets and two hose reel jets to bring the fire under control.

The stop message was received at 07:30 and the road reopened shortly afterwards.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

21/03/2026

Bonfires are very common in the spring and summer, but they can get out of control very easily. If you want to dispose of garden waste, the safest way is to take it to your local recycling centre.

However, if you do decide to burn off garden waste, here’s some safety advice:

🌳 Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.
🚿 Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.
💨 Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.
🏘️ Be courteous to your neighbours – if you’re planning a substantial bonfire, let them know, and stay with it at all times to ensure that it remains safe.
❌ Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.

If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, let us know (using the link the comments). We often receive emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps us to know where this could be a controlled burn.

30/01/2026

Following heavy rainfall overnight and with further rain forecast today and into tomorrow, there is an increased risk of localised flooding, particularly following Storm Chandra.

If you are travelling through areas affected by flooding, please follow this advice for your own safety. Here’s a reminder of our safety advice:

🚗 Do not drive through standing water – it may be deeper than it appears, hide hazards beneath the surface, and cause serious damage to your vehicle. If a road is closed due to flooding, the signage is there for a reason.
🚛 Drivers of larger vehicles should avoid driving through flood water at speed, as this can create a ‘bow wave’ and lead to flooding of nearby properties.
🚐 If your vehicle breaks down in flood water, firefighters can rescue you and any passengers, but vehicle recovery remains the owner’s responsibility.
🚙 If heavy rain reduces visibility, pull over safely if possible.
🏍️ Road surfaces may be slippery during wet conditions – take extra care.
🚷 Do not walk through flood water above knee height, as strong currents, open manholes, and hidden hazards pose serious risks.

For more advice on flooding, visit 👉 www.dwfire.org.uk/flooding/

28/01/2026

🚨 Flooding Update 🚨

At 09:28, crews were mobilised to assist with a vehicle in floodwater at Trill Bridge, Fifehead Magdalen.

Whilst much of the flood water has now subsided, some localised flooding remains, particularly in low-lying areas.

Please follow our advice for your own safety:
• 🚗 Check your route before you travel
• 🌊 Do not attempt to drive through floodwater
• 🚧 Always follow road closure signs

If you live in, or are travelling through, a flood-risk area, visit 👉 https://orlo.uk/m1fYb for further updates.

For advice on preparing for flooding or what to do if your home has been affected, visit 👉 www.dwfire.org.uk/flooding/

27/01/2026

🚨 Flooding Incidents 🚨

Today, crews across the service area have been busy attending incidents involving flooding, and it’s been no different for us.

At approximately 06:38, we were mobilised to an incident near Sherborne, however we were stood down shortly after. At 07:05, we were mobilised to Ludwell in support of Shaftesbury Fire Station and Gillingham Fire Station, where flooding had affected properties and the roadway. Following this, we were sent to standby at Shaftesbury Fire Station for any further flooding-related calls in the area. Whilst returning to our home station, we were mobilised to a vehicle stuck in flood water at Fifehead Magdalen, before returning to station at approximately 13:00.

Although much of the flood water has now subsided, a number of roads and routes may still be affected. If you are travelling through areas impacted by flooding, please follow this important safety advice:

🚗 Do not drive through standing water – it may be deeper than it appears, contain hidden hazards, or cause serious damage to your vehicle. If a road is closed due to flooding, the signage is there for a reason.
🚛 Drivers of larger vehicles should avoid driving through flood water at speed, as this can create a ‘bow wave’ and cause flooding to nearby properties.
🚐 If your vehicle breaks down in flood water, firefighters can rescue you and any passengers, but vehicle recovery remains the owner’s responsibility.
🚙 If heavy rain reduces visibility, pull over safely if possible.
🏍️ Road surfaces will be slippery in wet conditions – take extra care.
🚷 Do not walk through flood water above knee height, as strong currents, open manholes, and hidden hazards pose serious risks.

For more advice on flooding, visit:
👉 www.dwfire.org.uk/flooding/