More than 50 local children, parents and caregivers visited Alexandra’s fire station thanks to the local branch of Parents Centre on Monday afternoon (August 29).

Children ranging in age from one to ten years old learned about the station, its various appliances, the firefighters’ role and how call outs come in from central emergency communications on 111.

Currently 45 locals give up their time to the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Alexandra.

Feedback on the visit from children was positive and a highlight was shooting the hose at some cones. The engines were described as “cool”, “massive” and “amazing” and the protective clothing was “hot”, “uncomfortable and heavy”.  

A turn in the driving seat: Local children got to climb inside and check out the radio and equipment in the cab of the training engine.

It was a beautiful blue sky afternoon chatting to volunteer firefighter and host Matt Whyte.

Alexandra’s Brooke Williams assisted son Arden to try on firefighters protective gear at the visit. 

Big jacket to fill: Theo Rohde (4) might be one of the next volunteers to work at the station. 

Arlo (5) was one of many children to have a turn manning the hose, operating at reduced pressure for safety.

Dylan (5) tested it out going sky high, while others patiently waited in line.

Only last Thursday residents were reminded of the superb response given by local firefighters; they got to a garage fire in Cromwell six minutes after the alarm was raised. 

Read the Central App’s story on this fire here.

PHOTOS: Central App