Kids Area - What we do

Firefighting has changed over the past few years. I can get a callout to just about anything these days - a car crash, a chemical incident, or visiting homes to discuss fire safety with families. It's not just about fighting fires.

Fire safety is all about prevention. We want to stop fires from happening, because when they start, it's a race against time...

Firefighting is a fantastic job. It keeps me fit, and the challenge and variety of the work means I have to use my specialist knowledge every shift.

Give safety lectures to schools
Fight fires
Deal with bomb threats and chemical incidents
Carry out daily tests on equipment
Take regular fitness training
Attend education lectures
Provide emergency response following vehicle crashes
Practice drill exercises
Visit homes of children and explain the consequences of starting fires
Plan response to terrorist incidents

A firefighter has to be ready to do everything on the list, and much more. That's why no two days are the same.

08:00 AM - A typical day will start with us testing the equipment to make sure it is fit for operational use. The driver is responsible for checking the appliance lights, oil, water etc and the BA wearers will check their breathing apparatus sets.

08:30 AM - After this, we will have a cup of tea and the watch manager will brief us on any news.

08:45 AM – After tea, we will spend an hour doing physical training, to make sure our fitness levels are up to standard. This will involve weights, running and aerobic exercise.

10:00 AM – After physical training, we will go into the drill yard to train with some of the equipment. This can be anything from ladder drills, hose drills, breathing apparatus, cutting gear etc.

11:00 AM – We will normally have a break before carrying out ‘station routines'

11:15 AM - 'Station routines' - This involves carrying out inventories and standard tests on all the appliances and equipment to make sure it is all in place, clean, serviceable and ready for operational use.

3:45 PM - We are given time to do some self-study. It is important to know about all the different pieces of equipment, procedures and tecniques so that we are always ready to respond to any incident.

5:00 PM - We will clean and tidy the station up to make sure it is in good order for the next shift.

Of Course, this can all change the minute we get a firecall. We have to respond immediately. (click on the bell to hear the sounders)