FIRES, floods, landslides, co-responders’ life-saving calls, car accidents – Williton firefighters dealt with them all during 600 call-outs in 2016, one of their busiest-ever years.
Recalling a demanding 12 months, Station Commander Garry Austin-Thompson said that crews had attended 451 co-responding calls and administered initial medical care until the ambulance arrived, 23 road accidents and 144 fire or special service calls.
“During the early part of the year, we attended a landslide that nearly engulfed a property. Crews worked most of the night to divert the water to prevent further damage.
“Williton firefighters also attended the Royal Clarence Hotel fire in Exeter, and several major flooding incidents around the area.
“This year is shaping up to be just as hectic – we had 12 call-outs in the first eight days of January.
“Our station crews are all on call – they give huge dedication to the job and the community, keeping the appliances on the run 24 hours a day, bearing in mind they also have full-time jobs and a family life to fit around this commitment.”
He said that the station had also made great efforts to support charities during the year.
Anyone interested in joining Williton Fire Station is welcome to visit the station on Thursday evenings after 6.30pm. Visit www.dsfire.gov.uk and follow the ’working for us’ link.