Firefighting never stops! Crews rush off to highrise fire during Portsmouth fire station's open day

Southsea Fire Station in Somers Road, Fratton, held an open day for families on Saturday, September 1 '“ inviting them to take a look around the fire station, meet the crews and see the ins and outs of the fire engines themselves.

The event also coincided with the fire station's 40th anniversary, with historians collecting a montage of the station's rich history.

But families also saw that firefighters are always alert to danger '“ witnessing them respond to reports of a highrise fire in Southampton early in the day.

Station manager Steve Buchanan-Lee said: '˜It just goes to show that we never stop serving.

'˜I am incredibly proud of our firefighters and the professionalism they show.'

The open day itself was a resounding success, with hundreds of people flocking to the fire station to learn more about its history, as well as to watch a couple of displays in the back yard.

Andy Hillman, 36 from Hayling Island, went along to the open day with his wife, Alex, and their three-year-old son, Harrison.

Andy said: '˜This is the first time we've been here and it's been great.

'˜Our son loves fire engines and the display was really good '“ there's just lots of stuff happening.'

Esther Jones, 79 from Portsea, said: '˜I've come with the whole family and I think it has been fabulous. The kids have all really enjoyed themselves.'

Station manager Steve Buchanan-Lee added: '˜With it tying into our 40th anniversary, this was a very important event for us '“ and there have been loads of people coming in to take a look around.

'˜It's a great feeling to do something like this for the community; a lot of work went into today and to see all the smiles makes it worthwhile. I'm so grateful to red watch and watch manager Jamie Wren for doing so much to make this a success.'