Lincoln is the only city within the area, as well as large towns such as Grantham, Boston, Skegness, Spalding and Gainsborough.

The majority of Lincolnshire is covered by retained duty staff (RDS), who attend on a call-out basis.

The retained staff are supported by full-time firefighters (wholetime) based at nine different stations around the county.

Prior to 1974, this would have covered two large oil refineries at Immingham and other large fire risks - indeed the Flixborough disaster in June 1974, the largest civilian explosion in the UK, took place soon after the separation of counties in the new Humberside area, although the Lincolnshire Fire Service, in nearby Gainsborough, would have been called for assistance.

The days they are on duty they provide wholetime night cover from purpose built living accommodation that is in close proximity to the station.

However, co-responder firefighters are still dispatched and maintain communication with the fire and rescue control room in Nettleham.

Three ambulances were trialed at Stamford, Woodhall Spa and Long Sutton fire stations.