Firefighters and other blue light workers are teaming up to spread safety messages as part of a family event at Odsal Stadium. The Family Fun Day, which includes fire, police, and ambulance, will take place on Sunday, 11 September, before Bradford Bulls’ last rugby game of the season against Widnes Vikings.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) will be showcasing the work they do to help rescue people with the help of their new water safety flume, fire and rescue boat, and emergency vehicles. The water safety flume simulates the makeup of different bodies of water, including waterfalls, stepping-stones, weirs, and culverts, to make people think twice before entering such waters.
Preventative and safety measures
Members of the wildfire unit will also be demonstrating simple preventative and safety measures to help stop wildfires, which have been particularly ferocious over the last few weeks due to the hot, dry summer.
Those at the match will even get to see the famous fire mascot race at halftime. Blaze Bear will represent the fire service and go up against four other mascots in a bid for first place and to be crowned the ultimate champion.
Author's quote
We really want people to know exactly how we serve their community, alongside fighting fires"
District Prevention Manager - Jemma Burgess said: “The family fun day is all about engaging with local people of all ages and building on our already strong local relationships. We really want people to know exactly how we serve their community, alongside fighting fires. It’s important that people know we respond to multiple incidents, like water rescue."
Jemma Burgess adds, “We also do a lot of education work around preventative measures, so it’s great we can speak to local people at events like this to demonstrate all our appliances and get the message out about general safety.”
WYFRS’s mini fire engine
Children will be able to enjoy face painting and inflatables, and have a ride on Little Freddie, WYFRS’s mini fire engine. The Air Ambulance Service and West Yorkshire Police will also be at the fun-filled event, with activities like a tombola, police cars, and even a mock cockpit.
Any funds raised at the event will be put towards multiple charities, including the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family. Gates open for the event at 1 pm, ahead of the 3 pm kick-off time.
Tickets are on sale now. They are free for anyone under the age of 18 and emergency service workers with a valid ID (blue light cards are not accepted). Tickets must be redeemed in-store.