Families are being encouraged to get behind Andover’s firefighters this Bank Holiday weekend as the town’s fire station opens its doors to the public following a particularly busy period for crews across the area.
Andover Fire Station will hold its Open Day on Sunday, August 30, from 11am until 4pm, giving residents the chance to step inside their local station, meet emergency service personnel and see some of the equipment used when responding to incidents.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the event will take place at the station in London Street, with a range of activities planned throughout the day.
A variety of fire engines are expected to be on display, while representatives from South Central Ambulance Service and Community First Responders will also be attending.
There will be emergency scenarios and demonstrations giving visitors an insight into the work carried out by crews, alongside family attractions including an ice cream van.
The event is also an opportunity for the community to show its support for the people who are routinely called upon when things go badly wrong.
A busy few weeks for local firefighters
The Open Day comes after a demanding summer for firefighters serving Andover and the surrounding area.
Earlier this month, firefighters spent almost eight hours dealing with a significant incident at an industrial premises in Greenwich Way.
Crews were called shortly before 11.20pm on Thursday, August 13, after a fire involving dozens of 200-litre barrels. Firefighters worked through the night, using 14 sets of breathing apparatus as well as gas and ground monitors, before leaving shortly after 7am the following morning. Crews later returned to reinspect the site.
That incident came during an already busy period for firefighters, with crews also having dealt with a field fire near Enham Alamein earlier that day.
Just days later, another major operation unfolded at Grateley.
Firefighters were called to Wallop Road at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, August 18, after a tractor towing bales of hay caught fire. Wind caused the flames to spread into hedgerows on both sides of the road and approximately 25 tonnes of hay became involved.
Crews from Hampshire worked alongside firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire and Middle Wallop Airfield, remaining at the scene overnight and continuing operations into Wednesday. Local farmers also stepped in to help crews by creating firebreaks and moving affected hay.
Earlier in the year, around 40 firefighters were involved at the height of another substantial fire at the former Guilbert/Niceday offices on Greenwich Way. Seven fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and support vehicles were deployed after the fire broke out on March 24. Crews remained at the scene into the early hours of the following morning.
Those incidents provide a reminder that behind the fire engines people see travelling through the town are crews who can spend hours working in difficult and potentially dangerous conditions before returning to the station ready for the next call.
A chance for Andover to support those who support the town
Sunday’s event is therefore about more than getting a close-up look at a fire engine.
Money raised during the Open Day will support Fire Fighters Charity, which provides clinical care, wellbeing services and practical support to serving and former members of the UK’s fire services and their families. Its work includes physical and psychological support as well as help for those facing difficult circumstances away from the frontline.
For local residents, the Open Day offers an opportunity to support that work while also meeting some of the people who help protect Andover throughout the year.
Andover Fire Station has also continued to engage directly with the community away from emergency incidents. In June, the station hosted a firefighter recruitment event where prospective recruits could meet operational firefighters, learn about the role and try elements of the practical selection process.
The station was also represented at Andover’s A-Fest in April, where a fire engine joined the large number of local organisations and emergency services taking part in the community event.
Sunday will turn the tables for a few hours, with the community being invited into the firefighters’ workplace.
For youngsters it could be the chance to climb close to the appliances they normally only see passing with blue lights flashing. For adults it is an opportunity to understand more about the work taking place behind the doors of the London Street station.
Most importantly, it is a chance for Andover to turn out for a service which repeatedly turns out for Andover.
What visitors need to know
Andover Fire Station Open Day takes place on Sunday, August 30, from 11am until 4pm at Andover Fire Station, London Street.
There will be no public parking available at the fire station.
Organisers have advised visitors that George Yard car park is free on Sundays, with people encouraged to park there and walk to the station.
The day is set to feature a variety of fire engines, South Central Ambulance Service, Community First Responders, emergency scenarios and other activities and attractions.
Money raised will go towards Fire Fighters Charity.
After a summer which has once again demonstrated just how quickly local firefighters can be called from an ordinary day into a major emergency, Sunday’s event gives Andover an opportunity to meet the crews behind the uniforms — and support the charity which is there to support them.