Fire Engines Photos

Blimey have they still got that Canteen Van? Its like 25 years old!

Added by David Sapsford on 13 September 2008.

This building has now been flattened and a brand-new 21st century 'community' station is fast being erected in its place. Currently the pump operates out of a temporary building located on the forecourt. I'm unsure where the can van is.

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 03 December 2010.

Am I missing a point somewhere but can anyone explain why in 2010 we have had to rename Fire Stations and start calling them "Community Fire Stations" ? My old brigade has new such signage outside its premises these days ... why ? Fire Stations have always and will continue (presumably) to serve the communities in which they are built ? It must be an age-thing in my case !

Added by Keith Richardson on 03 December 2010.

We often have a 'Community Room' in our Community Fire Stations.....these can be used by Community Groups and organisation to hold meetings etc....our way of doing our bit for the Community !!! (whoops there is that word again)

Added by Barrie Green on 03 December 2010.

The Bedford can van is long gone and its role has now been taken by various vauxhall movano welfare support units. There is also a jdc built welfare support pod to complete the line up.

Added by Adam on 03 December 2010.

Yes and I heard of one group who used the community room in a fire station and then complained when the turnout system disturbed their meeting - the worlds gone mad !!!!

Added by Rick Loudon on 04 December 2010.

I think by 'opening' to the fire station doors to the local 'community', the fire service 'management' and all manner of 'politicians' think they can prevent the local 'youngsters' from becoming 'tearways' that start fires and then attack the responding fire crews. It's a complete nonsense if you ask me!

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 04 December 2010.

Thanks for your responses guys to my original question. A couple of final closing thoughts. If a retained station is being used for community meetings etc, who has responsibility for opening up and locking down the station, and for security of the appliance(s) and equipment etc etc whilst "the community" are on station ? Surely a member of the retained crew isn't expected to be key-holder and provide watch ? Perhaps high-tec access control / security systems are installed ? Or are retained stations not used for this purpose ? Lastly, and a bit of a cynical comment, in this performance driven society we live in I can now understand why the beds are being removed from W/T stations. It frees up the billet to be converted into a "community meeting room" ! In order to make best use of this new-found space, it allows the FRS bean-counters to lease out the room for a suitable fee ! Interesting concept these "Community Fire Stations". Take care all.

Added by Keith Richardson on 05 December 2010.

We have community rooms in retained stations in our county (Cheshire) we have electronic acceess systems on all stations, we all have swipe id cards, however the doors can be unlocked remotely by control.
Beds have been removed from WT stations but have been replaced by large reclining chairs which do not free up much or any space in the stations. Removing the snooker and table tennis tables however have created some space, most of our stations have been refitted creating smaller operational rooms. Our service does not make a charge for hire of the community rooms.

Added by Barrie Green on 05 December 2010.

This station is being rebuilt as Part One of a mass rebuild within Staffordshire. Part One sees new stations at Tamworth Belgrave, Stafford Rising Brook and Sandyford, as well as replacing the seven existing stations at Cannock, Tamworth, Uttoxeter, Kidsgrove, Hanley, Burslem and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Very recently, Part Two of the PFI-funded rebuild has been approved. This will see eleven complete rebuilds at Burton-upon-Trent, Kinver, Lichfield, Leek, Stone, Chase Terrace, Rugeley, Codsall, Penkridge, Ashley and Longton.

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 12 January 2011.

Oh how fire stations have changed over the years. Community rooms popping up here there an' everywhere. No beds, no snooker tables.... and worst of all - they haven't even got a bar anymore! It's a scandal!

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 11 January 2022.

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