Your kids may not have started the fire. But they can learn how to put it out. Samantha Laurie explains...
You’ve heard of the Sea Cadets and the Air Cadets, but did you know that the London Fire Brigade had its own cadet force too? You’ll be hearing a lot more about it, thanks to a £1.1m cash injection from City Hall aimed at doubling the number of cadets. The initiative will create 15 new units, including in Kingston, Wandsworth and Richmond, so as to cover every London borough.
Placements are available for young people aged 11-17, who will learn basic first aid, fire safety and firefighting skills. They’ll work with local communities on fire safety and take part in fundraising events, and can also gain BTEC qualifications.
The drive forms part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s efforts to give young people new opportunities and to boost the diversity of the fire service – currently more than half of cadets (55%) are girls and 49% are BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic).
“It really is for everyone,” says Nikki Rees, Deputy Fire Cadet Manager. “It’s very hands-on and practical. They learn all sorts of life skills and it really builds confidence.”
Some recruits, like 17-year-old Kleria Baptista-Mendes, go on to become Fire Cadet Ambassadors representing the force and raising awareness.
“There are so many opportunities to go to events and learn more about fire safety,” she says. “One thing all the cadets say is that it makes you so aware of home safety – I’m always telling people not to leave cables plugged in and where to put their smoke alarms!”
Can you help?
Always fancied yourself astride a fire tender? The Fire Cadets are looking for adult volunteers to help run weekly cadet sessions in Wandsworth, Richmond and Kingston.No experience necessary; full training is given, including hose drills!
