An Exercise
Penistone has long had a fire and ambulance station. In this section we watch
the fire crew doing a routine drill. For this exercise (Aug. 2000) the tower simulates
a burning multi-storey building.
The centre picture shows the location of the fire station relative to the church.
The market is just off-picture to the right. The old siren is still in place,
atop the tower, but is not often used these days as the firemen can usually be
telephoned.
An open fire engine, right, shows a cutting device and various hoses. The cutter might be used to take the roof from a crashed vehicle to remove the trapped occupants. Fire hydrants in the UK are hidden beneath small metal covers in the pavement, marked by a small 'H' plate nearby. Call-outs are co-ordinated by crackling VHF radio from a control centre which processes incoming '999' emergency telephone calls.
 |
 |
. |
 |
The driver manoeuvres the fire engine ready for the ladder to be removed and leant against the tower. Our fearless heroes prepare to ascend it. However, on this occasion, they are a little nervous of my camera. 'Never mind the silly photographer....', says the chief, 'Get on with it!', he bellows, and into action they spring (expletives deleted).
Dusk descends and up into the blazing building they go. An axe is needed to break down a locked door. So, with skill and precision, the axe is roped and drawn up to the floor. The fair maiden, or whatever, is then to be rescued down the long ladder. "How can I ever thank you", she coos. "I'm sure I'll think of something, my dear lady" - says he. A successful mission and now its time for a pot of tea in the rest room.
 |
 |
|---|
Worthy Volunteers
Unlike in other countries, our UK fire service is paid out of local taxes.
No wrangling over areas or insurance companies but a false call-out can result
in a large bill. Phone calls are instantly traced in the UK, even to call boxes.
Small town crews like ours are part-time and will have other jobs but city fire
services will have full-time crews. Penistone's rapidly increasing population, housing and traffic makes these worthy volunteers more important than ever before.
I also have a personal thank-you for their help when I slipped and fell, cutting my head on a stone bridge. The bridge was not damaged but my head needed stitches..
Safety First?
Now to a more serious note. The area where the fire station is now sited is wanted for a supermarket. In order to reduce the space requirements of a relocated fire station, it the number of required fire engines has been reduced from two to one - and this is at a time when our town is rapidly expanding. Madness!
