Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are pleased to announce that the construction of our newest On-Call duty fire station for 13 years is about to commence in the village of Chagford, Devon. The occasion was marked with a ‘cutting of the Sod’ ceremony.  

Sara Randall Johnson, Chair of the Fire Authority of the Devon & Somerset Fire Authority said; ‘It is very exciting that Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are delivering a new fire station for Chagford, so I was delighted to participate in the "lifting the sod" ceremony and to meet those involved, including CG Fry and Son builders.  A project such as this really is a team effort involving many stages and much effort. 

"Fire stations are important places within our community, so involvement of local people, stakeholders and partners, as well as our Service personnel, Fire Authority Members, architect, planners and builder are all vital contributors.  In addition, I would particularly like to thank Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Estates Team who have been the conductors of this process, guiding the Service and the Authority to reach this point today. 

"I look forward to seeing the completed project in due course. I hope that all runs smoothly and safely for CG Fry and Son Builders and look forward to the day when Service vehicles are ready to serve local communities from the new fire station in Chagford."

Background to the new development

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service were presented with a rare opportunity by Developers CG Fry, to be included in part of the new development, Bellacouch Meadow, at Chagford.  Following lengthy negotiations with CG Fry an agreement was finally reached whereby the Fire Service will be provided with a brand new, fit for purpose fire station and training facility, all at zero cost to the organisation and tax payer.  

This project is now ready to commence the construction stage and as such we celebrated this significant event with a ceremony hosted by CG Fry and Sara Randell, Chair of the Fire Authority and supported by DSFRS personnel from the station, Group command, Service delivery and Estates.

Would you like to be an on-call firefighter in Chagford?

On-call firefighters come from all walks of life and are highly trained to provide a vital emergency response service in rural areas such as ours, responding to fires, floods, road traffic collisions and other emergencies.

Chagford offer flexible contracts providing 42, 63 or 84 hours of weekly cover. Each of these includes a paid retainer fee plus an hourly rate for training and attendance at incidents. We also offer the opportunity to join the firefighter's pension and paid annual leave.

If you live or work within 5 minutes response time of Chagford fire station and would be interested in learning more then please feel free to come along to a drill night on Wednesday between 7 and 9pm or call Watch Manager Mark Shears on 07881 745314.