Reception visit to Taunton Fire Station

Last week the Reception class set off excitedly for Taunton Fire Station. We were greeted by a handsome, chunky fireman called Ben of Blue Watch. He explained that the fire station could receive a 999 call at any moment and what we should do in the event.

He was brilliant with the children and got his colleague to dress up in full fire fighting gear complete with oxygen tank. Ben described what each bit of equipment was needed for and the importance of not going into a fire on your own. And the speed at which he came down the pole from upstairs impressed us all.

The children were shown all the apparatus on the fire engine before having an exhilarating ride around the station. Lights were flashing, sirens wailing and the children were beside themselves with laughter and excitement. Some even got to have a second go!

We thought that would be the highlight of our trip until Ben unfurled the hoses. Everyone fired the water high into the air. The force behind the water was amazing and the spray rained down on the children. What could top that! A bigger hose attached directly to the water hydrant! Ben laid the hose on the ground and we watched the water gradually snake through until it finally whooshed out in a huge plume. Pandemonium ensued as the children ran wildly through the water getting drenched in the process. What a wonderful morning we had, whilst learning such a lot about the really important emergency service.