Avon Fire & Rescue Service

18/10/2026

📣 Training - Today (Sunday 18th October)

Our crews will be conducting a large-scale training exercise this evening around Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. Time: 18:00-22:00 🚒.

Please don’t be alarmed if you see a significant fire service presence in the area during this time. This exercise is part of our ongoing training to ensure we’re fully prepared to respond to real incidents and keep our communities safe.

18/10/2026

Southmead Red Watch at Black to the Trails 🏃

Firefighters from Southmead Red Watch attended the Black to the Trails running event at Blaise Castle on 11 October.

Crew members Angelo Vancheri, Connor Byford, Hugh Stanley and Stephen "Kenny" Sansum took part in the day, with Connor and Hugh completing the 10K run to the cheers of fantastic support from the public.

Kenny also set up a fitness station based on the strength test used during firefighter recruitment assessments. The activity proved a big hit, with lots of people stopping by to test themselves and learn more about what it takes to become a firefighter 🚒

17/10/2026

Young drivers from across the area attended a Young Drivers' Skills Day at Yate Fire Station, aimed at helping 17-25 year olds build confidence and stay safe on the roads.

Delivered in partnership with the Town & Parish Council Forum and Bristol Advanced Motorists, the event provided an opportunity for young drivers to gain practical advice and learn more about the consequences of road traffic collisions.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event possible. Together, we can continue to promote safer driving and reduce the risk of serious collisions on our roads.

17/10/2026

As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, staff gathered at Southmead Fire Station for a flag-raising ceremony to mark their commitment to preventing all forms of discrimination and hate.

16/10/2026

We're recruiting! 🚒

Looking for a new opportunity? We currently have a range of vacancies across Avon Fire & Rescue Service, with roles available in leadership, people services, digital innovation, inclusion, procurement and pensions.

Current opportunities include:
• Head of Estates
• Employee Relations Advisor
• Power Platform Developer
• Inclusion Support Officer
• Inclusion Outreach Officer
• Procurement & Supplies Senior Assistant (temporary until March 2027)
• Pension Admin Assistant (fixed-term until March 2027)

Whether you're an experienced professional, looking to develop your career, or interested in supporting your community in a different way, there could be a role for you.

Find out more and apply online at:

There are a variety of roles available at Avon Fire & Rescue Service from specialist support staff, education, answering 999 calls and of course front line Firefighting.

15/10/2026

“During 2024/25, our crews helped members of our community during 277 flooding incidents. Please remember that water can be deeper than you think, so don’t try and drive through it and instead find an alternative route. If you can’t go another way, get to higher ground and wait for waters to subside.

“If your car becomes affected by water, consider if it’s safe to get out and if you can, climb to higher ground. If you do find yourself in an emergency, please call 999 and ask for the fire service - AF&RS Station Manager Michael Cooper.

14/10/2026

🔥 Burns can happen in an instant and have life-changing consequences.

- Keep hot drinks out of reach of young children by placing them at the back of the kitchen surface.
- Always run cold water before hot when filling a bath and test the temperature.
- Use back rings on the hob when cooking and turn pan handles inward.
- Check hot water bottles for wear and tear, and never fill them with boiling water.

On Burn Awareness Day, take a moment to think about how you can reduce the risk of burns at home. Simple actions can make a big difference. Take our home fire safety check today - https://buff.ly/rm9JMhk

14/10/2026

As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, it's the perfect time to brush up on firework safety.

Today is National Burn Awareness Day 2026 . Fireworks can cause serious burn injuries, so the safest way to enjoy them is at an organised display.

Always supervise children around fireworks
Follow safety instructions carefully
Never return to a firework once it has been lit

Let's help everyone enjoy the season safely.

Find more firework safety advice:
https://cbtrust.org.uk/get-informed/causes-of-burns-and-preventions/fireworks/

13/10/2026

As thousands of students begin university in Bristol and Bath, we teamed up with competitive swimmer and student-athlete Jess Podger to talk about staying safe around water.

Even the strongest swimmers can get in difficulty in open water. Cold water shock, unseen obstacles and strong currents can quickly turn a fun day out into an emergency.

Wherever you’re exploring, stay with your friends, look after each other and avoid taking risks around rivers, lakes and other open water.

Team Bath University of Bath Swimming Club Jess Podger Fitness

12/10/2026

Jacq Hardwick, Mel Wilkinson, Andrew Shakespeare and Terry Marsh have been awarded the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for their actions in providing roadside assistance to a person experiencing a stroke.

Jacq and Mel acted quickly and were soon joined by off-duty Firefighter Andrew Shakespeare and Terry Marsh, who offered their support. Their teamwork and willingness to help made a real difference is a fantastic example of AF&RS staff supporting our community. Well done to all involved.