On Saturday 6th July Ilkley Fire Station will open its doors and welcome the community to come down and see what a day in the life of a firefighter looks like, including station tours and testing the equipment.
It is set to be an action-packed day; with lots to keep residents of all ages entertained - with firefighter demonstrations, the chance to have a look around the fire appliance and try your hand at firefighting yourself, by using some of the equipment.
There will also be a demonstration from the local Mountain Rescue team UWFRA demonstrating their rescue capabilities as well as lots of fun interactive activities, local vendors and the opportunity to purchase food and drink.
The day will also see the official opening of the newly planted community orchard, a facility created by the firefighters for the people of Ilkley, an initiative that it’s hoped will improve the environment and increase biodiversity to the town. Opening the orchard will be author and adventurer Jo Moseley, with locals invited to meet and chat with her on the day.
Firefighters have also asked the local schools, scouting associations and other community groups to enter a competition to build a model fire engine from recycled materials. Models will be judged on the day and the winning group will have the fire appliance named after them!
Watch Manager Lee Mitchell: “I am absolutely thrilled to be opening our doors to the community on the 6th July. We haven’t had an open day at the station for several years and this day links nicely with the official opening of our orchard.
“The open day is a great opportunity to demonstrate the equipment that we have here at the station, how we operate and showcasing of the important work that other partner agencies do such as UWFRA. I am particularly looking forward to the fire engine model competition and the naming of the fire appliance – it’s set to be a tremendous day.’
Firefighter Ed Poulter who helped to establish the community orchard said “The response to the orchard has been phenomenal – last November over 100 members of the community turned up to help plant the trees and we are very much looking forward to welcoming Jo to officially open the orchard on the 6th July.
“The orchard helps to enforce the message that this is a community fire station and an asset for all. The orchard provides a publicly accessible green space where people can help themselves to fruit, acts as a home for local wildlife but also allows people to engage with firefighters and learn more about the important work that we do.”
The open day at Ilkley Fire Station on Little Lane is Saturday 6th July 2024 between 11am and 4pm.