Sturminster Newton Fire Station

14/09/2026

👏🚒 20 Years of Service

A massive congratulations to our very own Firefighter Steve Dennett, who was presented with his 20 Year Long Service Medal at Saturday’s Service Awards.

20 years on call and serving the Sturminster Newton community and beyond is a pretty special achievement. We’re all incredibly proud of Steve and everything he’s given to the station over the years.

07/09/2026

It’s Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival week! 🧀🚒

Ever fancied joining the fire service as an on-call firefighter?

We’ll be at the festival on both days, so come over for a chat and find out more about the role and what it takes to join our crew 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

We’ll see you there!

21/08/2026

There was a large industrial property fire overnight near Buckland Newton, and smoke is still rising from the scene. If you’re local and concerned, please keep doors and windows closed.

14/08/2026

Please don’t call us on 999 to report someone having a controlled barbecue or bonfire, we don’t have the authority to intervene - tonight’s emergency alert was a welcome reminder about responsible behaviour.

Like every fire service at present, our Control room is extremely busy so please only call 999 in an emergency.

13/08/2026

Our control room continues to receive a high volume of 999 calls relating to a variety of incidents across our service area.
All of our staff work incredibly hard to respond to incidents and provide support where it is needed most.

We would like to thank the public for their understanding during this busy period and kindly remind everyone to please be patient and kind as we continue to work to keep our communities safe.

We continue to remind everyone to please follow our fire prevention advice on how to stay safe outdoors and at home, and ask you to take a few minutes to visit our website and see what you can do to make your home safer from fire. https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/

11/08/2026

11/07/2026

🌾 Our countryside belongs to all of us.

Whether you're walking the dog, enjoying a family day out or simply making the most of the sunshine, we all have a part to play in protecting it.

During hot, dry weather, even a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire, putting wildlife, homes, businesses and firefighters at risk.

If you're spending time outdoors:
🚭 Fully extinguish smoking materials and never throw cigarette ends from your vehicle.
🔥 Leave campfires and barbecues at home, and always follow any restrictions in parks and open spaces.
🚒 If you spot a fire, don't assume someone else has reported it. Get to a safe place, note the location (What3Words can help) and call 999 immediately.

Every wildfire prevented is one less risk to our communities, our countryside and the crews who respond. Thank you for doing your part to help keep everyone safe this summer. 💚

10/07/2026

Do you live near heathland, farmland or open land? Being prepared for a potential wildfire could help keep your family safe, protect your home and provide valuable time for the firefighters tackling the fire.

Top tips:
🏠 Prevent embers from entering your roof space by repairing or replacing loose or broken tiles.
🍃 Identify and regularly clear ember traps around your home - places where dead leaves collect e.g. gutters.
🔥 Move any flammable material away from external walls e.g. log piles and leaves.
🔟 Ensure your house name or number is clearly visible from the road.
🚗 Avoid parking on or too close to fire hydrants.

For more useful information and preventative steps, take a look at Dorset Heaths leaflet and checklist.
https://www.dorsetheaths.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Preparing-your-home-for-wildfire.pdf

09/07/2026

At this time of year, farmers work long, hard hours and it’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if any parts then overheat.

The problem can be compounded when machinery is worked extra hard during hot weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions.

There's also the risk of field fires, often caused when flint is caught and sparked.

Here's a safety checklist for farmers:
🧽 Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers.
⚙️ Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance.
🔥 Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings.
⚠️ Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers.
📞 Keep mobile phones on your person – not left in a tractor or pick-up cab.
🧭 Know where you are (What3Words is great for this) and the best access points for your location.
⚡ Make sure that drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machines will safely pass under wires.
🧯 Make sure there are fire extinguishers on all vehicles so they are readily accessible – and keep them regularly maintained.
🧹Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out.
🪜Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.