Open day success at South Shields Fire Station

A fire brigade open day in South Tyneside has proved a hit with visitors as hundreds turn out to find out more about the emergency service.
Cameron Spoors with fireman Brian Lazzari at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.Cameron Spoors with fireman Brian Lazzari at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Cameron Spoors with fireman Brian Lazzari at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.

There were smiles all round as youngsters were given the chance to climb aboard fire trucks and into police cars at the annual event held at South Shields Fire Station on John Reid Road.

They were also given the chance to dress like their heroes in full firefighting kit.

Horse rescue demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.Horse rescue demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Horse rescue demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event, which alternates between the South Shields and Hebburn Stations, featured a number of demonstrations to showcase the range of work carried out by firefighters.

The day was supported by the police, the RNLI, the Coastguard, South Shields Volunteer Life brigade, the Blood Bikes and Whitburn Archers.

In the crowd was little Cameron Spoors, who is a bug fan of the firefighters.

Dressed in his own fire fighting kit he was given the chance to meet his heroes as he told them he wanted to be a fireman when he’s older.

Youngsters Jay Harbertson, Archie Apomah and Macey Hailstone with fire crew Peter Hamil and Angelo Quintano at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.Youngsters Jay Harbertson, Archie Apomah and Macey Hailstone with fire crew Peter Hamil and Angelo Quintano at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Youngsters Jay Harbertson, Archie Apomah and Macey Hailstone with fire crew Peter Hamil and Angelo Quintano at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dad Chris Spoors, from Jarrow, said: “It’s a great day and it’s a great opportunity for members of the community to come to the fire station and have a look around, something they wouldn’t normally be able to do and to meet the firefighters.

“Cameron just loves the fire brigade he runs to the window every time he hears the fire engine.

“He visited the fun day in Hebburn last year, he just loves it.”

Four-year-old Cameron said: “I like them, they are brave and are my heroes.

Crowds watch a chip pan fire demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.Crowds watch a chip pan fire demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Crowds watch a chip pan fire demonstration at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.

“I like the fire trucks too.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A range of stalls were also available for visitors to browse as well as find out more about fire preventions tips and the importance of checking their smoke alarms on a regular bases.

District Manager Bill Forster said: “We are always well supported in South Tyneside with these events. We alternate them between the stations in South Shields and Hebburn and both always have a good turnout.

“It’s nice to so many faces and we have a lot of guests from the other services - everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.

Isabelle Clegg in the driving seat with fireman Troy Curry at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.Isabelle Clegg in the driving seat with fireman Troy Curry at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.
Isabelle Clegg in the driving seat with fireman Troy Curry at South Shields Community Fire Station open day.

“It’s also a change for us to show people about the work we do as well as get our safety messages across.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It has been a great turnout. Hopefully, everyone who has taken the trouble to come out to visit us has had a great time and will take our safety advice on board and feel a little more safer than when they arrived.”