DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority staff have been praised in the authority’s six-month report.

The virtual meeting provides an update on the progress being made across DWFR and was held on Wednesday, December 15.

The service has caught up on a backlog of ‘safe and well’ visits following the 2020 and early 2021 lockdowns.

Although there has been a slight increase in accidental dwelling fires, the service is on track to achieve its targets for reducing deliberate fires. This is down to targeted prevention work taking place including community engagement.

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So far this year, more than 200,000 people have received road safety messages online and 24 digital road safety events have been attended with partners.

The service has also completed the high rise inspection programme ahead of schedule.

The fire authority also received the quarterly update video on incidents attended, projects undertaken and achievements during the autumn months.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Derek James said: “I was pleased to report some of the service’s success to the Fire Authority today.

“Staff are working extremely hard with our partners, in ever changing and challenging conditions, to ensure our communities are kept as safe as they possibly can be.

“Our latest update video shows just some of the work we have been involved in over the last three months, including the Salisbury train crash, the fire at Woodborough School near Pewsey and a multi-agency training exercise at Bournemouth airport.”

Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “Due to the current Government advice to work from home and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, it was decided that it was safer for all to hold this meeting virtually.

“In spite of very challenging times, the service continues to support the public well and I am very pleased with the progress being made.”