HRFCA joins Fire Station event

Saturday saw Dundee throw open the doors to its buildings – giving members of the public a behind the scenes look at many of the city’s landmarks.

The initiative is part of the Scotland-wide Doors Open Days events that sees more than 1000 buildings opening their doors to the public in a celebration of heritage and the built environment.

Head of Engagement Dai John manning the HRFCA gazebo.

Highland RFCA took up the kind invitation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to join their event at Blackness Road Community Fire Station, a fully operational fire station in Dundee’s West End.

The station opened its doors at 11am sharp and the public were soon pouring in, with more than 1200 visiting throughout the day.

Royal Marines Cadets from TS Duncan in Dundee.

There was plenty for visitors to see, including fire appliances and equipment, the mobile fire museum, and Royal Marines Cadets with their powerboat.

There was also the opportunity for the public to get hands-on with fire hoses along with demonstrations of high-tech equipment, including the new Bronto hydraulic platform, which was used in a simulated rescue, safely removing a person trapped at height by fire.

The platform edges towards the building . . .

. . . removing the trapped person.

. . . before bringing them safely to the ground.

The HRFCA gazebo proved popular, with many of the event visitors stopping by to learn more about the work of the Association.

Watch Manager Willie Stoops talks visitors through the aerial platform rescue.

Event co-ordinator Willie Stoops, Watch Manager at Blackness Road Community Fire Station, said: “This is one of the highlights of our calendar. We always have a strong turnout and the firefighters love engaging with the public in this informal and enjoyable way.

“It is hugely important for us to work closely with our communities and this is just one way in which we try to achieve that.”

Once again the event was a great success, building on the great turnout of 2017 and helping to foster greater respect and understanding of the vital work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.