Sturminster Newton Fire Station

21/08/2026

There was a large industrial property fire overnight near Buckland Newton, and smoke is still rising from the scene. If you’re local and concerned, please keep doors and windows closed.

14/08/2026

Please don’t call us on 999 to report someone having a controlled barbecue or bonfire, we don’t have the authority to intervene - tonight’s emergency alert was a welcome reminder about responsible behaviour.

Like every fire service at present, our Control room is extremely busy so please only call 999 in an emergency.

13/08/2026

Our control room continues to receive a high volume of 999 calls relating to a variety of incidents across our service area.
All of our staff work incredibly hard to respond to incidents and provide support where it is needed most.

We would like to thank the public for their understanding during this busy period and kindly remind everyone to please be patient and kind as we continue to work to keep our communities safe.

We continue to remind everyone to please follow our fire prevention advice on how to stay safe outdoors and at home, and ask you to take a few minutes to visit our website and see what you can do to make your home safer from fire. https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/

11/08/2026

11/07/2026

🌾 Our countryside belongs to all of us.

Whether you're walking the dog, enjoying a family day out or simply making the most of the sunshine, we all have a part to play in protecting it.

During hot, dry weather, even a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire, putting wildlife, homes, businesses and firefighters at risk.

If you're spending time outdoors:
🚭 Fully extinguish smoking materials and never throw cigarette ends from your vehicle.
🔥 Leave campfires and barbecues at home, and always follow any restrictions in parks and open spaces.
🚒 If you spot a fire, don't assume someone else has reported it. Get to a safe place, note the location (What3Words can help) and call 999 immediately.

Every wildfire prevented is one less risk to our communities, our countryside and the crews who respond. Thank you for doing your part to help keep everyone safe this summer. 💚

10/07/2026

Do you live near heathland, farmland or open land? Being prepared for a potential wildfire could help keep your family safe, protect your home and provide valuable time for the firefighters tackling the fire.

Top tips:
🏠 Prevent embers from entering your roof space by repairing or replacing loose or broken tiles.
🍃 Identify and regularly clear ember traps around your home - places where dead leaves collect e.g. gutters.
🔥 Move any flammable material away from external walls e.g. log piles and leaves.
🔟 Ensure your house name or number is clearly visible from the road.
🚗 Avoid parking on or too close to fire hydrants.

For more useful information and preventative steps, take a look at Dorset Heaths leaflet and checklist.
https://www.dorsetheaths.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Preparing-your-home-for-wildfire.pdf

09/07/2026

At this time of year, farmers work long, hard hours and it’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if any parts then overheat.

The problem can be compounded when machinery is worked extra hard during hot weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions.

There's also the risk of field fires, often caused when flint is caught and sparked.

Here's a safety checklist for farmers:
🧽 Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers.
⚙️ Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance.
🔥 Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings.
⚠️ Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers.
📞 Keep mobile phones on your person – not left in a tractor or pick-up cab.
🧭 Know where you are (What3Words is great for this) and the best access points for your location.
⚡ Make sure that drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machines will safely pass under wires.
🧯 Make sure there are fire extinguishers on all vehicles so they are readily accessible – and keep them regularly maintained.
🧹Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out.
🪜Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.

08/06/2026

🚒 The Firefighter Next Door: Meet Lee 🌟

It’s been a little while since we’ve introduced you to some of the faces behind Sturminster Newton Fire Station and with a couple of new firefighters joining the station we thought it was the perfect time to bring back our Firefighter Next Door series!

You might run into Lee around town, at work, or out in the community—but did you know he’s also an On-Call Firefighter, ready to respond when his community needs him most?

💼 Day Job: Blacksmith

🌟 What Inspired Me: “I always wanted to see if I had what it takes physically and mentally. I also wanted to be part of a team and help my local community.”

🔥 Favorite Part: “Being part of a team, the rush when the pager goes off, learning new skills, and having a great reason to stay fit.”

🎉 When I’m Not on Call: “I’m a keen drummer and have been playing since I was 8 years old. I also have a unique claim to fame—I’m a Space Olympian! In 2015, I travelled to Moscow to take part in the 13th International Space Olympics.”

➡️ Could you be the firefighter next door? Apply today: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/ or come along to one of our training nights on Mondays from 18:30–21:00.

10/05/2026

An Amber Wildfire Alert has been issued for the Dorset & Wiltshire area.

An Amber alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.

What should you do if you discover a wildfire?

❌Keep a safe distance - never try to tackle the fire yourself
☎️ Call 999 and ask for the fire service
📍 Give location of the fire - If necessary use the what3words app

If you see suspicious behaviour, report it to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111 (100% Anonymous)
📲Report deliberate fires
🛡️Protect your community
🔥Prevent Wildfires

For more information visit www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety/