Heat and drought put record demand on fire service

Firefighters faced "record-breaking" demand over the summer, responding to more than 2,000 incidents in one month alone, a fire service has said.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said prolonged hot and dry weather led to sustained and unprecedented levels of demand, particularly in July.

The service said control room staff handled 6,041 calls during the month, while firefighters attended 2,008 incidents, including 864 fires. Of those, 547 were classed as open-air fires.

Kate Saint, the service's head of prevention, said it dealt with "sustained levels of demand in challenging conditions", adding "many people changed their behaviour as the risk increased".

The service said from 8 July onwards there was "exceptionally high demand and the "pace of activity was relentless".

It said it wanted to recognise those who responded to the increased risk by postponing barbecues and taking "extra care" with outdoor heat sources.

The service said autumn and winter would bring different challenges, including flooding, storms, colder weather and an increased risk of fires in the home. It said it would monitor the El Niño event and prepare accordingly.

It urged residents to ensure smoke alarms are working, have chimneys and flues swept before using open fires or wood burners, and take extra care on the roads during wet and darker conditions.

The fire service also warned people to stay away from open water after drinking alcohol, particularly after nights out.

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