A CUP OF TEA WITH THE NEIGHBOURS
A QUICK LOOK AT OUR SURROUNDING STATIONS
FIRSTLY - A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO KEVIN HALE FOR THE USE OF THE EXCELLENT FIRE STATION PHOTOGRAPHS BELOW. CHEERS.
DARTMOUTH - STATION 24
A modern two pump fire station 12 miles from Totnes and built opposite the very impressive Britannia Royal Naval College.
The station's front yard opens on to College Way, the steep hill which runs down hill to the picture postcard Dart estuary and the unique town of Dartmouth and up hill to the residential Townstal area, approx 1/4 mile away.
The station's 20 personnel, led by Watch Manager Barrie French, answered approx 150 calls in 2007.
Barrie retired recently after 400yrs at Dartmouth and was succeeded by WM Mark Cresswell
Have a happy and long one mate.
BRIXHAM - STATION 21
Brixham Fire Station, 10 miles from Totnes, is situated on Bolton Street and approx 1/4 mile from Brixham harbour, home of the replica Golden Hind and the main town. The much photographed, picturesque harbour is also a very well known fishing port and overlooks Torquay which lies the opposite side of Tor Bay.
Brixham is a two pump station, which unusually for Devon, the appliance bays opens straight onto a main road.
The station's 20 personnel, led by Watch Manager Steve Connor answered approx 210 calls in 2007
PAIGNTON - STATION 18
Paignton Fire Station lies 6 miles from Totnes on Cecil Road and covers this popular seaside resort, which includes a large cinema, beach, pier and harbour. The station is between Brixham and Torquay.
Paignton is a two pump station, one W/T pump (24 Hr) and one retained pump. Also stationed here are two "pods" ( Enviromental and Incident Support) and the prime mover.
Paignton has 20 W/T personnel and 12 retained and answered approx 650 calls in 2007.
KINGSBRIDGE - STATION 26
Kingsbridge Fire station lies approx 12 miles from Totnes on Duncombe Street. The station ground includes the estuary, hospital, leisure centre and several small villages.
Kingsbridge is a one pump station with 12 personnel led by Watch Manager Paul Hammett and answered approx 140 calls in 2007.
Kingsbridge is currently undergoing building work to add facilities for upgrading to a community station
TORQUAY - STATION 17
Torquay Fire Station lies approx 9 miles from Totnes on Newton Road. The station covers the holiday resort of Torquay which includes theatres, cinemas, main shopping areas, large hospital and numerous hotels.
Torquay is the divisional station for the area with 3 pumps, Bronto HP and a Water Bowser.
The station personnel includes 64 W/T on four watches and 12 retained and answered approx 1500 calls in 2007.
Torquay's Bronto / Volvo has been taken off the run and has been replaced by the delivery of a new and larger Vema / MAN Hydraulic Platform
NEWTON ABBOT - STATION 28
Newton Abbot Fire Station lies approx 9 miles from Totnes on The Avenue.The station covers the market town of Newton Abbot and includes a racecourse, hospital, prison and mainline railway station.
Newton Abbot is a 2 pump station with 20 personnel led by Watch Manager Mark Palmer and answered approx 600 calls in 2007, probably the busiest retained station in the brigade.
BUCKFASTLEIGH - STATION 22
Buckfastleigh Fire Station lies approx 7 miles from Totnes on Bossell Road. The station covers the small town of Buckfastleigh, quarries, woollen mill, a large area of South Dartmoor, the beautiful Buckfast Abbey and a stretch of the A38 Plymouth to Exeter expressway.
Buckfastleigh is a one pump station with 12 personnel led by Watch Manager John Harler and answered approx 120 calls in 2007.
ASHBURTON - STATION 19
Ashburton Fire Station lies approx 10 miles from Totnes and is situated on Eastern Road. The station covers the Stannery town of Ashburton, stone quarries, a large school, a large area of South Dartmoor and and a stretch of the A38 Plymouth to Exeter expressway.
Ashburton is a one pump station with 12 personnel led by Watch Manager Derek Russell and answered approx 110 calls in 2007.
Ashburton has recently undergone building work which has almost doubled the size of the station. making a vast improvement.
MODBURY - STATION 55
Modbury Fire Station lies approx 12 miles from Totnes and is situated on Dark Lane. The station covers the ancient town of Modbury which lies in a steep Devon valley between Ivybridge and Kingsbridge.
Modbury is a one pump station with 12 personnel and answered approx 90 calls in 2007.
KINGSTON - STATION 54
Kingston has a small stone built station which houses a unique, Mercedes 814DA appliance which was built in house by the service workshops. Kingston is led by Watch Manager Mervyn Freeman and answered approx 30 calls in 2007.
Thanks for the photos Merv.