Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said its Fire Control received dozens of 999 calls during the morning of 18 February 2022 as Storm Eunice brought fallen trees and building damage across Dorset and Wiltshire, and that fire crews had attended 11 storm-related incidents in Dorset and five in Wiltshire by midday1.
The service said the incidents attended by crews, together with those attended by an officer (three in Dorset and four in Wiltshire), all involved fallen trees, fallen power cables or structural damage to property, and had resulted in the area being made safe or advice being given1. It said firefighters can only help where people are in danger, or where electrics are involved and creating a potential fire hazard1.
| Area | Incidents attended by fire crews | Incidents attended by an officer |
|---|---|---|
| Dorset | 11 | 3 |
| Wiltshire | 5 | 4 |
All figures are as of midday on 18 February 20221.
Group Manager Darren Langdown said:
"Our worry is that, while we are answering 999 calls for things where we can’t help, that could delay a response to a call where the situation is life-threatening. We would ask everyone to please consider whether there is a genuine danger before calling 999; fallen trees should be reported to the local authority, and damage to your home is something that needs to be resolved with a contractor and your insurance."
The service said it was urging people to only call 999 for Storm Eunice damage where life is at risk1. It pointed to a reference page on its website about who to call for storm damage1.
Why it matters for households
The service's statement sets out how households in Dorset and Wiltshire should route reports of storm damage during Storm Eunice. Fallen trees are to be reported to the local authority, and damage to a home is a matter to be resolved with a contractor and the household's insurance, according to the service1. Fire crews attend where people are in danger or where electrics are involved and creating a potential fire hazard1. The service warns that calls it cannot help with could delay a response to a life-threatening call1. Further practical guidance on preparing for and responding to storms is set out in the guide to storms and snow.
What happens next
No further updates from the service have been reported. The figures given are as of midday on 18 February 20221.
