Axminster Fire Station has thanked its crew members' families and employers after responding to more than 500 incidents in 2023.

The station has reflected on a “fairly busy year” that saw it receive an average of 1.38 call outs per day between its fire engine and co-responder vehicle.

A total of 347 call-outs were to respond to category one medical emergencies alongside the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

A further 157 were responses to a “range of emergencies throughout the year as well as some recent heavy flooding events seen in the town”.

Midweek Herald: Axminster's fire crews dealt with several flooding incidents in December.Axminster's fire crews dealt with several flooding incidents in December. (Image: Axminster Fire Station)

The town's firefighters also found time to take on several charity challenges, such as a walk from Plymouth to Frome that raised £9,000 to purchase specialist equipment and physiotherapy to support one of their colleagues whose son has cerebral palsy.

An Axminster Fire Station spokesperson said: “As we say to goodbye 2023 and welcome in 2024, it’s time to reflect on what has been a fairly busy year for us at Axminster.

“In 2023, our crews responded to the pagers on 504 separate occasions for incidents.

“A huge shout out goes to our crews families and their employers JB Wheaton & Sons, Arada Stoves and Westcrete for allowing their loved ones and employees to respond to emergencies throughout the day and night.

“Also a massive thank you to every single one of you who have supported us through our charity events this year!

“From following us on our 160-mile walk from Plymouth to Frome and then to our stair climb challenge raising money for Child Bereavement UK and then finally joining us at Halloween for our event raising money for The Firefighters Charity.”