DEVON’S fire service is taking steps to conserve water while continuing to respond to emergencies, following the declaration of severe drought conditions across parts of the county.

The South West has reached the severe drought category for the first time in the UK, with little prospect of rain expected in the coming days and continued pressure on water supplies.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a range of measures to reduce water consumption while ensuring firefighters remain ready to respond to incidents across the community.

Training exercises and drills will no longer use water from the mains supply, while vehicle washing will be restricted to essential tasks needed for safe operations, including cleaning windscreens and blue lights.

Operational measures are also being taken to protect emergency response capabilities.

These include reducing non-essential water use, reviewing alternative water supplies for firefighting and carefully managing the use of open water sources to minimise environmental impacts.

Gerald Taylor, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: ‘Every drop of water matters during periods of prolonged dry weather.

‘We are taking sensible steps to protect water supplies while ensuring we're ready to respond whenever our communities need us.

‘We are also asking everyone to play their part.

‘Small actions, from using water wisely to helping prevent outdoor fires, can make a real difference’.

The Service is encouraging residents to use water responsibly at home and follow advice issued by their water supplier, with further guidance available from South West Water.

People are also being urged to take extra care outdoors, as wildfire risk remains high.

Tackling wildfires can require vast amounts of water, adding further pressure to already stretched supplies.

Residents are advised to avoid lighting fires or having campfires in the countryside, and not to use disposable barbecues in these areas.

Anyone using a barbecue or fire pit should remain with it at all times, while cigarettes and matches should never be discarded onto dry grass.

Anyone who spots a fire should call 999 immediately to help firefighters respond as quickly as possible.