No firefighters available to tackle blaze that broke out 300m away from station

Credit: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Crews from a different fire service were called to a house fire in Mere near Warminster, because the fire station just 300 metres away didn't have enough firefighters.

The fire at a property in The Fields, Mere broke out just down the road from Mere Fire Station but due to a "lack of available firefighters", crews from around five miles away had to attend instead.

Credit: Bing Maps

Crews from Gillingham and Shaftesbury were helped by Wincanton, which falls under Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, extinguished the blaze. But Mere falls under the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area.

The Fire Service says the incident highlights issues with recruitment. Credit: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Area Manager Andy Cole said the incident shows the need for more recruits.

Firefighters attending the blaze just before 11am on Friday morning managed to contain the fire, saving the property form serious damage.

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