Rushmoor Fire Station Event

26th November 2008

Tim Vile the Station Manager started the evening with a PowerPoint Presentation, showing the various activities of a fire fighter.  This proved to be of great interest, as lots of questions were raised. 

We were then passed over to his team, who split us into four teams, for a guided tour of the station facilities, with each team starting at one of the four areas of interest:

1.  Fire Engines and Tenders – looking at all the equipment (some of which is quite complicated) that they need to carry for all the different tasks they are required to carry out.  Also being able to go into the drivers cab and play with the sirens.

2.  Fire Hoses – Given the opportunity to use the hoses which was great fun for all.  Especially, when water accidentally hit people!!

3.  Fire Practice Building – This building can be changed into various configurations, it also is able to heat up to replicate the feeling of the heat from a fire.  Fire Fighters go into this building in full kit, with breathing apparatus, in the dark to locate and rescue casualties.
We went in, in our own clothes, some with breathing apparatus most without.   It was pitch black and very hot; we had to follow a rope guide throughout the building (although our Fire Fighter guides had torches).  We also had to locate a dummy in one of the rooms.  It was very exciting and daunting.

4.  Look inside Station – We were shown how calls came in, the alarms that went off for a call,  where the Fire Fighters Kit was located and yes there is a pole that is slid down, however, we were not allowed to try it out :>(

The evening was enjoyed by everyone.  As well as being interesting and educational above all it was fun.  Well done to Tim Vile and his team. 

Watch this space, as other Rushmoor Fire Station Events will be arranged in 2009.