Fire calls double

The number of call-outs dealt with by Southwell Fire Station has doubled in the past five years, figures have revealed.

Statistics released by Nottinghamshire Fire Authority show the retained crew dealt with 203 incidents in 2009, the last available figure. In 2005, there were 101 calls.

Station manager Mr Fraser McNish said the number of call-outs continued to be high.

“Without looking at the figures, we have had a very busy year and we have also taken on the role of first responders,” he said.

Under the First Responder scheme, firefighters from Southwell respond to certain medical emergencies, providing initial care until paramedics arrive.

The team has dealt with 40 First Responder calls so far this year.

“Since January the first response calls have only increased the number of call-outs we attend,” Mr McNish said.

“This year we have been to more grass fires, scrub fires and forest fires caused by the hot weather.

“The majority of our calls are still special service calls which is things like road traffic accidents, rather than actual fires.”

Mr McNish said extreme weather such as heat waves and heavy rain created more calls.

He said: “It’s that sort of incident that can generate multiple calls for us over a very short period.”

Concern was raised earlier this year when the fire authority proposed closing stations to save money.

Southwell was never put forward for closure.

Mr McNish said although the fire station was never at risk, the figures showed the need for a station in the town.

“Because of the geography of the area and the river we’re ideally placed to attend incidents,” he said.

“We were never under threat by the fire review but obviously it was a worrying time and we are glad we are still here.”

Mr McNish said the crew were attending incidents over a much larger area including as far away as Rufford.

He said they often attended incidents further away to help other fire crews rather than being the first on the scene.

The station is looking for more people to join the 16-man retained crew.

For more information contact Southwell Fire Station from 7pm on Tuesdays on 01636 813241.