A buzzing family fun day at Whitley Wood Fire Station in Reading stole the spotlight on Saturday 25th June as the UKRO Regional Challenge arrived in town. Hosted by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the event featured teams from across the UK demonstrating expert rescue skills ranging from trauma treatment to complex vehicle extrications.
Despite grim weather forecasts predicting rain and flash floods, the skies remained clear as crews from Hereford and Worcester, London, South Wales, Cornwall, and neighbouring Hampshire gathered to compete. Visitors were treated to close-up views of cutting-edge rescue operations, including the Fire Alpha II Rescue Boat prepared for emergencies on the River Thames and the Heavy Rescue Unit designed for major vehicle crashes. The Aerial Ladder Platform was also deployed, showcasing firefighting capabilities from heights, ideal for tackling fires in multi-storey buildings.
Between thrilling rescue demonstrations, families enjoyed ice creams and a sizzling barbecue. Firefighters also took time to teach lifesaving CPR and share important home fire prevention and water safety tips, making the day both entertaining and educational for all ages.
The highlight of the event was the live simulated road traffic collision drills, which captivated the crowd. Teams raced against the clock to extract ‘victims’ using specialist equipment under close evaluation by expert assessors. South Wales Fire and Rescue stormed to victory, with Hereford & Worcester finishing a close second and Hampshire securing third place.
Area Manager Paul Maynard commented, “This open day was a fantastic family event and a superb chance for the public to see what we do beyond fighting fires. We tackle all kinds of emergencies, and it’s brilliant to share safety messages with the community. The kids loved it and we’re delighted with the turnout and success.”
Steve Apter, Chairman of UKRO, added, “The skill and professionalism shown here is outstanding. These regional events are vital for showing the public the full scope of modern fire and rescue work. It’s much more than putting out fires – crews train hard every week to be ready for anything.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
