WINCHESTER firefighters were busier in 2009 than in 2008, according to the end of year figures.

Crews from the North Walls station tackled 753 incidents last year, compared to 711 in 2008, a six per cent rise.

The increase is the first time in several years that the station has been busier than the year before.

In 2007 there were 870 calls and 906 in 2006.

Winchester like all other Hampshire stations is seeing fewer fires because of the success in introducving smoke alarms in most homes.

However the fire service is tackling more road traffic incidents.

Partly as a result of that, the fire service is building a new station in Winchester, at Easton lane, closer to the M3, A34, A31 and A272. It is due to open early 2011.