Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Operational area
Country	UK
Country	England
Counties	Devon Somerset
Agency overview
Established	1 April 2007
Employees	1,900
Chief Fire Officer	Glenn Askew
Facilities and equipment
Stations	85
Website
Official website

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the statutory fire and rescue service covering the county of Devon (including the unitary authorities of Plymouth and Torbay) and the non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England. The service does not cover the unitary authorities of North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset, which are covered by the Avon Fire and Rescue Service. It is the fifth largest fire and rescue service in the United Kingdom.^[1]

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was founded on 1 April 2007, following the merger of Devon Fire and Rescue Service with Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.^[1] The Somerset service, previously known as Somerset Fire Brigade, was formed on 1 April 1948. Devon Fire Brigade was formed in 1973, by the amalgamation of Exeter City Brigade, Plymouth City Brigade and Devon County Brigade. It became Devon Fire and Rescue Service in 1987.

It is organised operationally into three commands: Central, Western and Somerset. The service's main headquarters is located at Clyst St George near Exeter. Its main training centre is the Service Training Centre (STC) at Plympton fire station. The service employs approximately 1,983 staff, including 624 whole time firefighters and 46 control room staff, 1,032 retained firefighters and 281 non-uniformed staff.

Each county operated its own control room until 2012 but they now have a single control room at Service Headquarters, Exeter. As part of a national FiReControl project, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue's control rooms were planned to switch to a regional control centre in Taunton but the plan was scrapped entirely in December 2010 by the Government.^[2]

Fire Stations/Appliances[edit]

The fire service operates 85 fire stations, which is the second largest number of fire stations in an English fire service after those of the London Fire Brigade.

Station Number	Station Name	Duty System	Appliances
01	Barnstaple	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x WrC, 1x ALP, 1x L4V, 1x SRU, 1x LUV
02	Ilfracombe	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x ICU
03	Appledore	Retained	1x LRP
04	Bideford	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT
05	Braunton	Retained	1x WrL
06	Chulmleigh	Retained	1x WrL
07	Combe Martin	Retained	1x WrL
08	Hartland	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
09	Hatherleigh	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
10	Holsworthy	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
11	Lynton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x RRP, 1x ERU
12	North Tawton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x EPU
13	Okehampton	Retained	2x WrL, 1x L4P, 1x IRU
14	South Molton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x EPU
15	Torrington	Retained	1x WrL
16	Woolacombe	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
17	Torquay	Wholetime/Retained	2x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x WrC, 1x L4P, 1x ALP, 1x LUV
18	Paignton	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT
19	Ashburton	Retained	1x WrL
20	Bovey Tracey	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4P
21	Brixham	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP
22	Buckfastleigh	Retained	1x WrL
23	Chagford	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
24	Dartmouth	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT
25	Dawlish	Retained	1x LRP, 1x ERU
26	Kingsbridge	Retained	1x WrL
27	Moretonhampstead	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
28	Newton Abbot	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x EPU
29	Salcombe	Retained	1x LRP
30	Teignmouth	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP
31	Totnes	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4P, 1x ICU
32	Danes Castle, Exeter	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x F/WrC, 1x ALP, 1x LUV
33	Exmouth	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x RRP, 1x L4P, 1x ICU
34	Axminster	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
35	Bampton	Retained	1x WrL
36	Burleigh Salterton	Retained	1x WrL
37	Colyton	Retained	1x WrL
38	Crediton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x ERU, 1x PM+ISU
39	Collompton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4P
40	Honiton	Retained	2x WrL, 1x HLU
41	Ottery St Mary	Retained	1x LRP
42	Seaton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU
43	Sidmouth	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT
44	Tiverton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP
45	Topsham	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT
46	Witheridge	Retained	1x WrL
47	Plympton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrC, 1x PM+BFU, 1x LUV
48	Camels Head	Wholetime	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4V, 1x SRU, 1x IrbT
49	Crownhill	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x ALP
50	Greenbank	Wholetime	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x ICU
51	Plymstock	Retained	1x LRP, 1x FB
52	Bere Alston	Retained	1x WrL
53	Ivybridge	Retained	1x WrL, 1x ERU, 1x PM
54	Kingston	Volunteer	1x RRP
55	Modbury	Retained	1x WrL
56	Princetown	Retained	1x RRP, 1x ERU
57	Tavistock	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x HLU, 1x L4V
58	Yelverton	Retained	1x WrL
59	Middlemoor, Exeter	Wholetime	1x WrL, 1x L4P, 1x HRU
60	Clyst St George/HQ (USAR)	Wholetime	1x CSU, 3x L4V, 1x SRU, 2x SDU, 1x GPV, 1x LUV, 1x PCV, 4x PM, Modules: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, pods: 1x HVP, 1x HVHL, 1x MDD
61	Taunton	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x WrT, 1x ALP, 1x L4V, 1x ISU, 1x EPU, 1x IRU, 2x PM*, pods: 1x HVP, 1x HVHL, 1x MDR
62	Bridgwater	Wholetime/Retained	2x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x WrC, 1x ALP, 1x L4V, 1x SRU
63	Burnham-on-Sea	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x L4V, 1x PM, pods: 1x BFU, 1x WFU
64	Dulverton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L6P, 1x L4V, 1x ERU
65	Glastonbury	Retained	1x WrL, 1x HRU, 1x L4V
66	Minehead	Retained	1x WrL, 1x RRP, 1x L4P
67	Nether Stowey	Retained	1x RRP, 1x L4P, 1x ATV
68	Porlock	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4P, 1x ERU, 1x ATV
69	Street	Retained	1x WrL, 1x CSU
70	Wellington	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x L4V
71	Williton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4V, 1x ERU
72	Wiveliscombe	Retained	1x WrL, 1x CSU
73	Yeovil	Wholetime/Retained	1x WrL, 2x WrT, 1x WrC, 1x ALP, 1x L4V, 1x ISU
74	Castle Cary	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4V
75	Chard	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4V
76	Cheddar	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L6P, 1x L4V, 1x ERU
77	Crewkerne	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4V
78	Frome	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4V
79	Ilminster	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4V
80	Martock	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L6P, 1x L4V
81	Shelton Mallet	Retained	1x WrL, 1x WrT, 1x L4P
82	Somerton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4V
83	Wells	Retained	1x WrL, 1x LRP, 1x L4P
84	Wincanton	Retained	1x WrL, 1x L4V
85	Lundy Island	Volunteer	1x L4V, 1x WrB, 1x TrP

Fire Appliance Glossary[edit]

• Water Ladder (WrL): P1 / P3
• Water Tender (WrT): P2 / P5
• Rural Response Pump (RRP): P1 /P2
• Light Rescue Pump (LRP): P1 / P2
• Light 6x6 Pump (L6P): P9
• Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP): A1
• Fire Boat (FB): B1
• Command Support Unit (CSU): C1
• Environmental Protection Unit (EPU): H2
• Light 4x4 Pump (L4P): M1
• Light 4x4 Vehicle (L4V): M5 / R2 / T5
• Heavy Rescue Unit (HRU): R1
• Specialist Rescue Unit (SRU): R5
• Incident Support Unit (ISU): S4
• Light Utility Vehicle (LUV): T2
• Prime Mover (PM): T2 / T8 / T9

Pods:

• Bulk Foam Unit (BFU)
• High Volume Pump (HVP)
• High Volume Hose Layer (HVHL)
• Incident Support Unit (ISU)

• Hose Layer Unit (HLU): W1
• Water Carrier (WrC): W1 / W3
• Co-Responder/Emergency Response Unit (ERU): V1 / V3

Trailers

• All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Inshore Rescue Boat (IrbT)
• Pump (TrP)
• Water Bowser (WrB)

Urban Search & Rescue (USAR):

• Command Support Unit (CSU): C1
• Light 4x4 Vehicle (L4V): M5 / M6 / R2
• Specialist Rescue Unit (SRU): R5
• Search & Rescue Dog Unit (SDU): R8 / R9
• General Purpose Vehicle (GPV): T1
• Light Utility Vehicle (LUV): T2
• Personnel Carrier Vehicle (PCV): T3
• Prime Mover (PM): T6 / T7 / T8 / T9

Modules:

• Module 1 - Technical Search Equipment
• Module 2 - Heavy Transport, Confined Space & Hot Cutting Equipment
• Module 3 - Breaching & Breaking Equipment
• Module 4 - Multi Purpose Vehicle
• Module 5 - Shoring Operations

CBRN Response:

• Incident Response Unit (IRU): H9
• Prime Mover + Mass Decontamination Disrobe (PM+MDD): T9
• Prime Mover + Mass Decontamination Rerobe (PM+MDR): T9

Co-Responder[edit]

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service works in partnership with South Western Ambulance Service to provide emergency medical cover to areas of Devon and Somerset. These are areas that have been identified as having a greater need for ambulance cover. The aim of a co-responder team is to preserve life until the arrival of either a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) or an ambulance. Co-responder vehicles are equipped with oxygen and automatic external defibrillation (AED) equipment.^[3]

Co-responder stations have a dedicated vehicle for Co-responder calls. The vehicle, known as the emergency response unit (EMS), attends in place of the fire appliance, (providing there are enough crew still on duty), allowing the fire appliance to remain available. Nineteen stations operate as co-responders:

• Axminster 34
• Chagford 23
• Cheddar 76
• Combe Martin 07
• Crediton 38
• Dawlish 25
• Dulverton 64
• Hartland 08
• Hatherleigh 09
• Holsworthy 10
• Ivybridge 53
• Lynton 11
• Moretonhampstead 27
• Nether Stowey 67
• Porlock 68
• Princetown 56
• Seaton 42
• Williton 71
• Woolacombe 16

Station grounds[edit]

M5 motorway[edit]

The M5 motorway is the arterial route through Devon and Somerset. It is the main link road to the south west from the Midlands and the North. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service divide the M5 into sections so that the nearest appliances attend. The station grounds are:

• Northbound - Bravo
  • J31–J30 : 59 Middlemoor
  • J30–J29 : 59 Middlemoor
  • J29–J28 : 59 Middlemoor
  • J28–J27 : 39 Cullompton
  • J27–J26 : 39 Cullompton
  • J26–J25 : 70 Wellington
  • J25–J24 : 61 Taunton
  • J24–J23 : 62 Bridgwater
  • J23–J22 : 62 Bridgwater
  • J22–J21 : 63 Burnham-On-Sea
• Southbound - Alpha
  • J21–J22 : Avon FRS 18 Weston-super-Mare
  • J22–J23 : 63 Burnham-On-Sea
  • J23–J24 : 62 Bridgwater
  • J24–J25 : 62 Bridgwater
  • J25–J26 : 61 Taunton
  • J26–J27 : 70 Wellington
  • J27–J28 : 39 Cullompton
  • J28–J29 : 59 Middlemoor
  • J29–J30 : 59 Middlemoor
  • J30–J31 : 59 Middlemoor

HMNB Devonport[edit]

HMNB Devonport Dockyard, in Plymouth, is home to twenty one of the Royal Navy's fleet of ships and submarines.

The dockyard falls into the station ground of 48 Camels Head, and is backed up by 49 Crownhill. Each part of the dockyard is divided into risk areas - this then reflects in the level of attendance by the Fire Service.

Some parts of the dockyard are considered a very high risk - therefore attract a high attendance - sometimes as many as four pumping appliances and the aerial ladder platform are mobilised to a fire alarm actuating; in contrast to one pumping appliance to a town dwelling.

Hinkley Point[edit]

Hinkley Point is a headland on the coast of Somerset. It is the location of two nuclear power stations (Hinkley Point A, which closed in 2000, and Hinkley Point B). Hinkley Point B is the only active site. Hinkley Point has its own fire station, backed up by 67 Nether Stowey and would then be backed up by 62 Bridgwater. There is a planned new nuclear power station that will be Hinkley Point C.

Fire appliances[edit]

Devon and Somerset use a variety of front-line and special appliances.

Operating from 85 fire stations, It has 121 fire engines and 64 special appliances, including aerial appliances, water/foam carriers, incident command units, 4x4s and environmental protection units. This is the largest vehicle fleet of any English fire service outside of London. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is the UK's largest fire service, and indeed the fourth largest on the planet since its formation in 2013 with the amalgamation of all eight of its regional fire brigades.

^[4]

Water Tender Ladder (WrL)[edit]

A Water Tender Ladder's major capabilities include pumping up to 3,000 litres (660 gallons) per minute between two locations. It has a storage capacity of 1,800 litres (396 gallons). The appliance carries a range of ladders up to 13.5 metres (44 ft). Inside the cab there are four sets of compressed air breathing apparatus. Each WrL has six external lockers on the sides. Equipment stowed inside these lockers includes a set of powered hydraulic rescue equipment, a thermal imaging camera, water rescue equipment, a positive pressure ventilation fan and safety at height equipment. There are occasions when a Water Tender, and not the Water Tender Ladder, would be mobilised first to keep the Water Tender Ladder (the primary fire engine) 'on-the-run' and available.

Water Tender (WrT)[edit]

These appliances are broadly similar to the Water Tender Ladders, but carry a different range of equipment, with ladders up to 10.5 metres (34 ft). They are not the primary responder to a road traffic collision - despite carrying hydaulic cutting equipment, the equipment is not as robust or effective as of that carried on a Water Tender Ladder. Water Tenders are used to attend miscellaneous incidents such as small fires in bins, vegetation, chimneys or cars; or to minor rescues such as a lift entrapment or somebody locked out of their home for instance. Often they support Water Tender Ladders at larger incidents such as property fires and at road traffic collisions. A Water Tender, like its counterpart the Water Tender Ladder, is capable of carrying up to six fire fighters, although more often than not carry only four firefighters. The county operates a number of specialist Water Tenders that are located in particularly harsh rural areas or at stations with a considerable area of muddy estuary or perilous beach. The vehicles are a full-sized Water Tender but have the added benefit of four-wheeled drive, higher, more robust suspension and knobbly all-terrain tyres. Exmouth is one such station that operates one of these vehicles.

Incident Command Unit (ICU)[edit]

These vehicles perform the role of an on-site control point, providing a single point of contact with the control rooms. The Incident Command Units are mobilised to large or protracted incidents. Often, they are mobilised when four or more appliances are mobilised; or when the Incident Commander requests the attendance of additional appliances, taking the total to four or more. They control all communications on the incident ground and provide a single point of contact for the control room and Incident Commanders.

Environmental Units (EU) and Incident Support Units (ISU) (Prime Mover)[edit]

These vehicles are used to provide logistical support to large incidents and carry additional equipment that compliments what is carried on front-line appliances. They carry a large range of special equipment for controlling chemical spills and protecting the environment.

Water Carrier (WrC) Water Foam Carrier (WFC)[edit]

The Service uses a number of Water Carriers, which enable large quantities of water to be transported to support appliance in rural areas or where additional water is required such as at a fire on the motorway where water supplies could be sparse. Each vehicle holds 9,000 litres of water. A number of them also carry 1,000 litres (220 gallons) of firefighting foam.

Hose Layer[edit]

The FRS has three Hose Laying Vehicles which are used to enable the pumping of water from a water source to support a large incident. Each Hose Layer carries almost 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) of hose.

Rescue Vehicle[edit]

These vehicles carry a wide range of specialist equipment that is used to support operations at road traffic collisions and other rescue situations. They also carry boats which provide waterborne rescue capabilities.

Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP)[edit]

Aerial Ladder Platforms are located at strategic locations across the service area. They have a working height of 30 metres (98 ft) and are used both to carry out rescues from height, and also as firefighting platforms. They are also used to give firefighters safe access into fires. Occasionally they are also used to monitor a fire from above, or provide lighting. The ingenious three-section hydraulic boom design of these vehicles means that the rescue cage can be positioned below ground level, and can, therefore, be utilised in water rescues, or rescues off a bridge parapet or into a shallow ravine.

Fireboat[edit]

The Fireboat "Vigiles" is located in Plymouth and is used to protect the Royal Naval Dockyard, the oil storage facilities and the commercial shipping that uses the port. Its high speed also enables it to carry out a rescue role if required.

Off-Road Appliances (WrT)[edit]

Due to the rural nature of Devon and Somerset, a number of vehicles are used that are capable of reaching incidents that occur on the commons, moors and heathlands of the region. These all carry specialised firefighting equipment designed for the purpose. Cheddar and Dulverton each operate a Pinzgauer which is a specially-built 6x6 vehicle. They are strategically located to tackle tough terrains in their respective locations. The JCB Groundhogs at Porlock and Nether Stowey are high-mobility firefighting appliances. They are transported on trailers to incidents that are difficult to access and operate usually in conjunction with the Pinzgauers and other off-road vehicles.

Line Rescue Unit[edit]

Specially trained crews use these vehicles to carry out rescues on the cliffs and quarry faces across the region.

Support Vehicles (L4Ps and L4Vs)[edit]

These vehicles are used to support operations by providing logistics and access in difficult terrain. In some cases they may be fitted with special firefighting units called Brendon Pumps to support heath and moorland fires. At some rural stations they double up as Emergency Response Units for co-responder roles.

Emergency Response Unit (EMS) (Co-responder Vehicle)[edit]

Co-responder stations have a dedicated vehicle for 'co-responder' medical calls so the fire appliance remains available. The vehicles are equipped with oxygen and automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment.

Incident Response Unit (IRU)[edit]

The Service operates three Incident Response Units (IRUs). They are positioned at Wellington, Okehampton fire station and Bovey Tracey fire station. Note, the IRU based at Wellington is not housed at the fire station. It is based at Chelston Business Park near Wellington. They are supplied by the Department for Communities and Local Government, to respond to incidents involving mass decontamination - defined as incidents where more than one person can be decontaminated simultaneously using the same equipment. Each IRU is maintained by a host station with assistance from support stations which all receive training on the equipment at regular periods throughout the year. See External links for more information on the IRU.

High Volume Pump (HVP)[edit]

The High Volume Pump has the capability of delivering large volumes of water over great distances utilising additional pumps. They can pump 7,000 litres/min and hose can be deployed utilising the 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) hose boxes at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h). It also carries a variety of ancillary equipment including, hose adaptors, 5-way manifolds, Y-pieces, gate valves, non-return valves, water safety equipment, harnesses & lanyards, hose ramps, change of direction equipment, edge protection, sack trolley and lighting, cones and tape. A HVP has the pumping capacity of eight standard fire engines.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)[edit]

The Service has an Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR) - one of 21 teams strategically located across England and Wales. They are equipped with five modules carrying various equipment to deal with a large range of incidents including structural collapse, large transport incidents, open area searches, heavy lifting operations, shoring and many more. The Urban Search and Rescue is station 60 and based at the Service's main headquarters in Exeter.

British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS)[edit]

The British Red Cross fire and emergency support service helps to meet the needs of individuals who have suffered damage to their homes following a domestic property fire, flood or similar emergency. Two units operating in Devon and Somerset based at the based Plymouth Red Cross Centre and Bridgwater Fire Station^[5] are dedicated volunteers. What they do includes providing refreshments, clothing, toiletries, use of an onboard telephone, first aid, sign-posting to other organisations, support with the care of children and pets, assistance in securing temporary accommodation, transport to friends/family, and use of shower/washing and toilet facilities.

Operations[edit]

As part of the national FiReControl project, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue's control rooms were due switch over to a regional control centre in Taunton. Both control rooms were planned to cutover in May 2011,^[6] but the plan was formally scrapped in December 2010 by the Government.^[2]

Mutual assistance[edit]

The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, gives fire services the power to assist other fire services or fire authorities in what is known as mutual assistance.^[7]

The fire services that adjoin the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are as follows:

• Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
• Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
• Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Avon Fire and Rescue Service
• Exeter International Airport Fire and Rescue Service

Children and young people[edit]

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has a number of schemes for young people.^[8]

Fire Cadets is a programme open to young people between the ages of 12 to 16. Every week up to 14 Cadets attend their local Fire Station for 2 hours to take part in firefighter activities such as hose running, ladder climbs (SHACS), search and rescue, and more. The programme is currently only running from limited fire station within Devon and Somerset. These are, Exmouth, Frome, Ilfracombe, Plymouth, Tiverton and Wincanton.

Firebreak is a personal development scheme for Key Stage 4 pupils (ages 14–16 years). It provides a novel Fire and Rescue Service themed educational diet designed to complement and enhance the school curriculum.

Firesetter Intervention programme is designed to address firesetting behaviour amongst children and young people up to the age of 19 years.

Phoenix is a six-month programme, primarily designed to reduce fire risk and fire related crime within local communities by working with 'at-risk' young people between the ages of 15–18 years.

To read more about DSFire Young People programmes, click here

See also[edit]

• Fire service in the United Kingdom

Other Local Emergency Services[edit]

• Devon Air Ambulance Trust
• Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
• Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
• South Western Ambulance Service
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

• Official website