A capital service – marking 150 years of brigade

NEARLY a dozen fire stations across west London will open their doors to families to mark the 150th anniversary of the London Fire Brigade.

The celebrations will take place at Chiswick, Harrow, Chelsea, Wembley, Heston, Ruislip, Northolt, Hillingdon, Acton, Hammersmith and Twickenham fire stations between June and September, with other London boroughs involved up until December.

The event, perfect for anyone who ever wanted to play firefighter for a day, is supported by Playmobil which will have fire brigade sets for little ones to play with at home, and hopes to bring together the local fire services and the community.

The open days will give people the chance to meet local firefighters as well as life-size Playmobil ones and watch crews as they stage a road traffic rescue demonstration and a perform a mock up of rescuing someone from a ‘burning’ building.

One of the Brigade’s dogs trained to track down causes of a fire will make an appearance, while an awareness play will be staged by a local acting club along with live music, fairground rides, food and games.

The scout company 1st Chiswick, one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1908, will act as marshals for the vintage fire appliances on display, while local police will bring a car for display and the St John Ambulance will hold a first aid demonstration with their young cadets.

A lucky draw will also give someone the chance to win a Porsche for a weekend.

Fulham fire station celebrations were held in April while Willesden had their family day in the first week of June. Chiswick held theirs last weekend.

Harrow Fire Station, 500 Pinner Road – July 2, 11am to 3pm

Chelsea Fire Station, 264 Kings Road – July 9, noon to 5pm

Wembley Fire Station, 591a Harrow Road – July 23, 11am to 5pm

Heston Fire Station, 520 London Road, Isleworth – July 24, noon to 4pm

Ruislip Fire Station, Hillingdon Civic Centre, Uxbridge High Street – July 30, noon to 4pm

Northolt Fire Station, 74 Petts Hill, Ealing – July 31, noon to 4pm

Hillingdon Fire Station, Uxbridge Road – August 10, noon to 4pm

Acton Fire Station, 27 Gunnersbury Lane – August 20, noon to 4pm

Hammersmith Fire Station, 190-192 Shepherds Bush Road – August 24, noon to 4pm

Twickenham Fire Station, 30 South Road, Richmond – September 4, 11am to 4pm