Fire and Response Team Visit

Yesterday, Phil who is the station manager for Rayleigh Weir Fire Station came in to chat with the children about his role and how he got to where he is today.

Phil has a number of roles and responsibilities in his role as the station manager. He takes command during a fire investigation so he can detect what causes the fire, and he is part of the water rescue team which has been very busy over the last few weeks. He also has to attend road traffic accidents. At times Phil has been called to the threat of a bomb attack.

Phil explained to the children that to become one of the best fire-fighters on the road you are required to take lots of written exams, practical tests and fitness activities.

So what skills does Phil use that we learn in school?

• Maths- Phil explained to the children that every day he has to work out the volume of water he will need to put out a fire. He has to work out the area, perimeter of buildings and how much water they will need to use to extinguish a fire per minute.
• Literacy- Phil communicates regularly by email to other firemen at different stations. He works closely with the Police and Ambulance services so he has to be able to write clearly with accurate punctuation and good spelling. These are often legal documents that can be used in court.