ALP Call from Shrewsbury Fire Station Open Day

A definite thumbs up and widest possible grin from Riley Al Sadek (5) with sister Ruby Mai (7), from Shrewsbury, with Whitchurch firefighter Keith Robinson.
A definite thumbs up and widest possible grin from Riley Al Sadek (5) with sister Ruby Mai (7), from Shrewsbury, with Whitchurch firefighter Keith Robinson.

 

Visitors to Shrewsbury fire station for the annual open day got to see how quickly firefighters react when an emergency happens.

They were watching a demonstration of the Aerial Ladder Platform when it was called to a house fire near Much Wenlock. The ALP was quickly mobilised to the scene for firefighters to help tackle a serious roof fire at a detached house at Bourton, which involved five fire appliances.

“People witnessed what we had to do and how quickly we do it. Blue lights were flashing and the ALP was called out at just after midday,” said Glyn Hesbrook, one of the open day organisers from Green Watch.

More than 1,000 turned out to the open day to see a wide range of eye catching activities for all the family. They saw nine firefighting appliances, including the environment pod, rescue tender and animal welfare unit.

Demonstrations put on by firefighters included showing how quickly an open chip pan can set on fire, how firefighters carry out car crash rescues and save animals in need of rescue.

A brief shower didn’t dampen the day as families headed under cover to view various displays. Volunteers from Midlands Cave Rescue were at the event along with Smokey Paws which provides oxygen masks for firefighters to rescue animals and the Rapid Relief Team were on hand to show how they support firefighters in action.

“It was a really good open day. We’ve had more than 1,000 people through the doors. They have been arriving throughout the day,” said Glyn, who added that £852 had been raised for the Fire Fighters’ Charity.

Children were shown how to escape from a house fire as they walked through a smoke tent. Fire prevention advice including the necessity for every home to have one smoke alarm on each floor of the house was also given out during the day.

Children also had fun in a playbus and crèche.

For more information visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk or follow Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on facebook and twitter for updates on incidents.

6th August, 2017
Ben Jones (aged 3) tries on a firefighter’s helmet for size pictured with his grandmother Sue Challinor, from Shrewsbury.
Wellington firefighter Louie Longhi with Freddie Treherne (9) and Lily Mae-Bailey (8), both from Shrewsbury.

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