Avon Fire & Rescue backs BBQ ban, recruits firefighters and asks public to shape risk plans

Avon Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues, opened recruitment for wholetime firefighters, hosted its first national search-dog course and launched a public risk consultation.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has welcomed a temporary Government ban on disposable barbecues and advised the public not to light fires during a busy period of grass fires [217]. The service is recruiting wholetime firefighters, with registration open from 10 to 16 August; candidates no longer need to live in the service area [218]. AF&RS has hosted its first national search dog training course at Hicks Gate Fire Station [219] and is consulting residents on community risks until 29 September 2026 [220]. It demonstrated water safety at Bristol Harbour Fest on 19 July [221] and held a community open morning at Temple Fire Station before Bristol Pride [224]. The Fire Authority has appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair; Councillor Tom Renhard, a member since May 2024, takes the Chair role [222]. The service also marked the rebuild of Bath Fire Station with a groundbreaking ceremony on 2 July [223] and has been removed from enhanced monitoring by HMICFRS [225]. Earlier, it urged extra care during a rare Met Office red weather warning for extreme heat across the area [226].

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