Firewatch
"A fireman, to be
successful, must enter buildings; he must get in below, above, on every
side, from opposite houses, over back walls, through windows, through
holes cut by himself in the gates, the walls, the roof; he must know how
to reach the attic from the basement by ladders placed on half burned
stairs, and the basement from the attic by rope made fast on a chimney.
His whole success depends on his getting in and remaining there and he
must always carry his appliances with him, as without them he is of no
use."
Sir Eyre Massey Shaw
from his book
"Fires and Fire Brigades"
penned nearly a century
ago
I don’t think that
anyone would write like that today. Our computers with their spell and
grammar checks would probably change it out of all recognition.
However, what it says
about the skills needed by the people fighting fires is as true today as
when it was first written.
The only change Sir Eyre
Massey Shaw would have to make would be to the term "fireman".
Today’s Fire Service
is changing; men and women work together as Firefighters.
Lothian and Borders Fire
Brigade now have nearly half the female fighters in Scotland. We are
also successfully recruiting from a wide range of minority groups within
the community.
This will ensure that
our workforce reflects the character and diversity of our local
population. I think what I’m trying to say is that the Fire brigade is
proud of its history but not too proud to change. It is adapting and
working in partnership with the community so that it continues to
respond to the needs of people.
As always if you need
information or advice on any fire safety matter please contact the
brigade on freephone
0800 169 0320.
Sub Officer J Fleming
Red Watch, Liberton
South Edinburgh Crime prevention Panel's Emergency
Services Fun Weekend at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre and the Fire
Brigade set up their Smoke House. Red cross and the SSPCA were
also on hand with colourful displays.
PC Donna Tait was also on hand to give out safety
advice help with cycle marking and carry out fingerprinting.
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