Barnstaple Fire Station

15/08/2026

🔥 Smelling smoke around North Devon today?

We’re getting reports of a smell of smoke across North Devon, but there are currently no known incidents locally. It’s believed the smoke is being carried across from the ongoing wildfire in South Wales.

There’s no need to call us just for the smell, but if you can see smoke, flames or other signs of a fire, please call 999.

Thanks for staying alert and helping us keep our crews available for where they’re needed. 🚒

14/08/2026

12/08/2026

🌘 Heading out to watch the eclipse tonight? 🔭✨

We’re all looking forward to getting outside and enjoying it too, but after such a long, hot and dry spell, our countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire.

So if you’re heading to the beach, countryside or finding the perfect viewing spot, please help us out:

🥪 Pack a picnic, not a BBQ – even a small spark or hot disposable BBQ can start a wildfire in these conditions.

🚭 Take extra care with ci******es and dispose of them properly.

🗑️ Take your rubbish home – particularly glass, which can be hazardous when left in the countryside.

🔥 No campfires or open flames, however tempting it might be.

📞 If you spot a fire, get somewhere safe and call 999.

Wildfires can spread incredibly quickly and tie up fire crews and resources across the county. A little bit of care tonight can make a big difference.

Picnic packed. Eclipse glasses ready. BBQ left at home. 👍

Enjoy the eclipse, North Devon and help us keep our beautiful countryside safe. 🌿🚒

31/05/2026

🚒 Multi-Agency Road Traffic Collision Exercise in Barnstaple 🚑

Recently, Green Watch from Barnstaple organised a large-scale training exercise at Taw & Torridge Coaches Depot, bringing together crews from Barnstaple (Wholetime and On-Call), Woolacombe Fire Station and Torrington Fire Station, alongside our colleagues from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The scenario involved a serious road traffic collision with three vehicles and multiple trapped casualties. Four fire appliances and ambulance resources attended, with volunteer casualty role players helping to create a realistic and challenging incident environment.

Working together, crews practised casualty care, vehicle stabilisation, and safe extrication techniques while coordinating closely with ambulance colleagues to ensure casualties received the best possible care. Exercises like this are invaluable in developing the skills, teamwork and communication needed to respond effectively to real-life emergencies.

Training in realistic environments helps ensure we are prepared to protect and support our communities when they need us most.

A huge thank you to Mark, Georgie and the team at Taw & Torridge Coaches for kindly providing the venue and supporting the exercise, and to everyone who helped make the evening a success.

27/05/2026

We’re deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of seven children and two adults, in both inland and coastal waters, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Our Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Ellis, spoke on BBC 5 Live this morning about the dangers of inland water, where accidental drowning deaths have now been higher than coastal incidents for the seventh year in a row.

Although rivers, lakes and reservoirs may look calm and inviting in the hot weather, hidden currents and cold water shock can quickly become life-threatening. Water temperatures are currently only around 14–16°C, which can cause an involuntary gasp response and lead to drowning.

Please avoid swimming in inland waterways and encourage others to do the same.

If you unexpectedly enter the water, remember to float:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Breathe normally
• Move your hands to stay afloat
• Spread your arms and legs for stability

Floating can save your life.

24/05/2026

☀️ A hot week ahead of us across North Devon, and we know many of you will be making the most of the beaches, countryside, moorland and coastal walks. Please enjoy the sunshine safely 😎

From Braunton Burrows and Exmoor to our beaches, open fields and beauty spots, we’re lucky to have some incredible places right on our doorstep, let’s help protect them 🌿❤️

A few simple things really do make a difference:

🥪 Leave the BBQ at home and pack a picnic instead
🔥 No campfires or bonfires in the countryside or on the beach
🚭 Fully extinguish and dispose of ci******es properly
🧴 Take all litter home with you, especially glass bottles
🚗 Avoid parking on dry grass where hot exhausts can start fires

A wildfire can spread rapidly, tie up emergency services, damage wildlife habitats and put local communities at risk.

If you see a fire, call 999 immediately and use the what3words app to share your location.

Have a safe week and enjoy the sunshine responsibly ☀️

04/05/2026

🚒 Today is International Firefighters’ Day 🚒

A chance to recognise firefighters here in Barnstaple, across Devon and Somerset, and right around the world ❤️

Even though it’s Bank Holiday Monday, it’s business as usual for our crews, on station or on call and ready to respond whenever needed.

If you’re out enjoying the long weekend, just a quick ask from us:

🔥 Keep an eye on BBQs and avoid leaving fires unattended
🌊 Take care around open water
🚗 Ease off the throttle and drive to the conditions

Looking after yourselves helps us keep everyone safe 👍

28/04/2026

🚒 Training night at Barnstaple Fire Station 🚒

Tonight we hosted a Firefighter Development evening here at Barnstaple, bringing together firefighters from across North Devon who are progressing through their training.

The focus was on combination drills, putting core skills into practice by delivering water from the appliance and working with ladders, including pitching and climbing safely and effectively.

These sessions are all about building confidence, sharpening skills, and supporting each other’s development in a realistic environment.

Great effort from everyone involved tonight, good to see the hard work paying off. 👏
Keep it going 💪🔥

26/04/2026

💦💦💦🚒🚚🚙
A massive thank you to everyone that came to the station car wash today. Over £1700 raised for the Fire Fighters Charity, thanks to the generosity and time given by the people of our fantastic community.

26/04/2026

🚗💦 WE’RE LIVE – CAR WASH IN FULL SWING! 💦🚗

We’re up and running at Barnstaple Fire Station and the team are busy getting through the queue 🚒🧽

No need to wait — get down now and we’ll get you sorted 👇

⏰ Here until 2PM
👉 Card or cash accepted

All in aid of ❤️ Fire Fighters Charity

👇 Tag someone who needs their car washing
👇 Share this and help us get a few more through before we wrap up!