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Group
Commander Martin Smith of Luton's Fire Fighters Green Watch tackles
burning buildings, motorway crashes and driving huge fire appliances
with rare skill and courage. So he was just the man to take on 36
enthusiastic Cub Scouts from Beech Hill Scout Group when they visited
Luton Fire Station recently.
There
were so many youngsters that they had to sit on the floor of the
briefing room while Commander Smith explained the operation of the
station and answered questions from his lively audience. The Cubs
watched in wide eyed wonder as fire fighter Steve lumbered into the room
dressed in full safety gear looking like someone from an episode of Dr
Who.
Commander Smith fielded questions which came thick and fast from the
inquisitive youngsters. They found out that pets are the first to get
away from fires and even fish are saved by the water they swim in. The
commander explained that the fire fighters are trained to change into
their heavy safety gear in just one minute and sometimes while dashing
to an emergency. And if the fire station should catch fire the crew
would drive out the appliances and tackle the flames like any other
blaze.
The
excited Cubs were shown the extending ladder used for fires in tall
buildings and all the safety equipment the fire fighters need including
huge metal cutters for rescuing trapped drivers that take considerable
strength to lift. And Steve demonstrated the sliding pole used for a
speedy exit from the rest area. One bright Cub said that it took just
two seconds for Steve to slide down the pole, far quicker than using the
stairs.
Sulayman Malik (10) was given the honour of taking the front seat of a
fire engine complete with a big yellow helmet. He said, "The bit I liked
best about the visit was the huge ladder that stretched right up into
the sky but I think I'd be scared to go so high."
Scout
Leader Hasan Nasiri said afterwards, "It was a great experience for the
youngsters and one that will make them much more safety conscious."
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