Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has expressed its heartfelt thanks to staff, on-call firefighters, local businesses, partner agencies and communities following an exceptionally demanding period for the Service.
Over recent weeks, firefighters have responded to a significant increase in incidents across the county, including more than 130 fires in the open during July alone. Crews have faced challenging conditions, tackling large-scale wildfires and other significant incidents during periods of extreme heat.
Alongside protecting communities across Shropshire, the Service has also supported neighbouring fire and rescue services through mutual aid, deploying fire engines and crews to assist with incidents in areas including Stourbridge, Wales, Hereford and Worcester, and Derbyshire.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Hardiman said:“July and the start of August have been an extremely busy period for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, with reports of more than 300 fires in the open, alongside a number of other significant incidents, including the large fire on the M54 and the large wildfire at Clun.“I would like to personally thank everyone across the Service for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering commitment during this challenging time.“From our firefighters on the incident ground, to our Fire Control colleagues coordinating our response, and the support staff working behind the scenes, this has been a true team effort. Every role has contributed to ensuring we continued to provide the highest level of service to the people of Shropshire.“I would also like to recognise the vital contribution of our on-call firefighters. Many balance their firefighting responsibilities alongside other jobs and personal commitments, yet continue to respond whenever their communities need them most.“Local businesses play a crucial role in making this possible by supporting employees who are on-call firefighters and allowing them to leave work to respond to emergencies. We are incredibly grateful for that support, which helps us protect communities across the county.”“Finally, I would like to thank our partner agencies, local communities, and the families and friends of our staff and firefighters. Their patience, understanding and support have been invaluable throughout this demanding period.”“I am incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience and teamwork shown across Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. The response we’ve seen over recent weeks demonstrates the very best of public service and community spirit.”
This busy period is not expected to slow in the near future and the Service would encourage the public to continue to adhere to the safety advice issued both locally and nationally. This includes:
- Avoid using disposable barbecues, lighting camp fires, using fireworks or sky lanterns in open countryside, parks and moorland areas.
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Do not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation and crops.
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Follow local authority guidance on fire risks and restrictions.
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Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service.
This period of sustained operational activity highlights the commitment of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel, who continue to work tirelessly to keep communities safe both within Shropshire and beyond when called upon to support neighbouring services.
