An insight into fire crews' job
A TOWER block blaze, chip pan fire and car-crash rescue were just some of the dramatic demonstrations given by firefighters from Harborough station during an open day.
About 1,000 people visited the town's station, in Fairfield Road, Harborough, during the event on Saturday to find out more about the work of its brave crews.
Many of the firefighters in Harborough are retained, meaning they also have normal day jobs, which they must drop at a moment's notice when the call comes in.
And the nature of the job was ably demonstrated when, shortly after the open day, crews were called to deal with a fire at the JG Pears factory on the outskirts of Harborough (see story on page 3).
Crew manager Andy Blyth said: "It was a busy day in the end. But the open day was very successful.
"We were fortunate with the weather and a good day was had by all.
"We were very well supported by the community and got somewhere in the region of 1,000 visitors. We also made 700, which will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity."
Visitors were treated to a demonstration of how firefighters release people trapped in vehicles following car crashes.
They also simulated a chip pan fire and a rescue from a tower block.
In addition to the demonstrations there were activities including a tombola, bouncy castle and a 'splat-the-rat' game.
Mr Blyth said: "This is the first time we've held an open day like this for about 13 years.
"But it was such a success we're looking to make it an annual event.
"We have a lot of young firefighters here now and they're eager to demonstrate to the public what we actually do.
"I think a lot of people didn't realise we were here.
"Open days like this are good for us but they are also good for the town."
A similar open day was held earlier this year in Lutterworth.
The district fire chief Paul Weston has said there are a number of vacancies at several stations in the district.
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Weather for Harborough
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
