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Youth Firefighter Association


Gorseinon Branch
Gorseinon Young Fire fighters were launched in April 2007. The Young Fire Fighters were recruited from three schools, Ysgol Gyfun Gwr, Gowerton and Penyrheol.

The Gorseinon YFF is based at Gorseinon station on West St Gorseinon, although much of the training that we undertake happens at Morriston Training Headquarters.

Gorseinon has good facilities and is a great place to live. We are committed to working with the rest of the community to make it an even better and safer place for all people to enjoy.

Last year we worked in partnership with the Gorseinon Development Trust and acted as Marshalls for the Christmas Lantern Parade.

We have also been involved in charity car wash days with the Fire fighters from Gorseinon Station. Everyone had a great time and we raised money for various charities.

In November 2007 working with the other Swansea Young Fire fighters we raised approximately £4,000 for Children in Need. The sponsored challenge was to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest (8,848 metres or 29,029 ft), using Fire Service 7 metre ladders. On the same day we were filmed for a Children in Need update at BBC studios Carmarthen.

Last summer we enjoyed various outdoor activities such as Climbing and Coasteering on the Gower Peninsula, a boat trip from Knab Rock in Mumbles to Worms Head near Rhossili and the YFF Summer Camp at Pembrey.

We learn lots of skills like first aid, how to improve safety in the home and how to work as a team.

If you are bored or feel that you are stuck in a rut or just fancy a new challenge, the Gorseinon Young Fire fighters could be for you.



Gorseinon YFF & Gorseinon Fire fighters, charity car wash July 2007



Mumbles to Worm’s Head August 2007



Near Rhossili!



Gorseinon Young Fire fighters

Gorseinon Young Fire fighters are:
Adam Davies
Alex Sawdon
Kris Ashford
Chris Evans
Jordan Harris
Mark Harry-Williams
Martin Scorer
Michael Deeley
Robert Evans
Stuart James
Thomas Mainwairing
Danielle Clayton
Lliam Blackmore
Kurtis Haberstraw
Daniel Bushrod



Llanelli Branch
Matthew Daniels

I am Matthew Daniels and have been a Young Firefighter for the last 18 months in Llanelli Fire Station. During my time as a Young Firefighter I have learned many skills such as how to slip and pitch a ladder as well as give the orders to put it up. I have also learned how to run out hoses, use a range of knots on the fire ground, operate a hydrant, operate a pump, operate a feather weight pump, and also search and rescue techniques when searching and working in a smoke filled building. I have also learned heart start which I think will help me a lot in life. We have been up to the control room in Llangunnor which was a really good experience. We were shown how the control operators deal with 999 calls and how the system works. The system showed us how the operators can choose a number of resources like pumps, rescue units like boats and also aerial appliances. It showed the nearest appliances which were available, and also the Firefighters and officers which were on duty. We were also part of an exercise up in Carmarthen, where there had been an RTC (road traffic collision) which include 2 cars and a bus full of passengers which was us. I really enjoyed the experience because it was an eye-opener to how the crews dealt with the incident.

As a group we bonded very well and once we were all competent at doing certain tasks we then moved on to combined drills which were very challenging and really made us work as a team. Some of the drills were made realistic like we had a house fire with persons reported and we had to build a dam and get water from another source like the river behind the station. After doing various exercises for weeks and we were all able to do them professionally we were informed by our Watch Manager that we were going to hold a presentation night so that we could show our families and County Officers what we have learned as Young Firefighters. The evening was successful and I felt very proud of myself and the watch. Also that evening I was promoted to Crew Manager and was given my stripes by the County Commander. Being promoted is one of my biggest and proudest achievements. My promotion meant that I had added responsibilities. These were organising the crew, taking charge of drills, making sure that maintenance of equipment was done properly and making sure that our pump was fully equipped. One of the reasons why I was promoted was because I showed good leadership qualities and when my crew was on the drill yard I continued to lead by example, and made sure that my team realised that working as a team was important.

Now that I am 18 I have applied to become a Retained Firefighter and hopefully will also become an instructor with the Young Firefighters so that other young people can enjoy and learn the skills and take pride in themselves like I have, and also become part of a fantastic team and be part of a great organisation which is Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.


Adrian Evans

My name is Adrian Evans, I’m 17 years old and have been in the Young Firefighters for 18 months so far, and I’m really enjoying it. During my time at Llanelli Fire Station, I have learned to operate lots of different equipment on the fire engine; we’ve had visits and demonstrations and have also been on a few trips.

The last visit and demonstration we had was when the ‘search and rescue’ dogs came to the Llanelli Fire Station. First of all the trainer gave us a presentation on how the dogs go about finding people and then they showed us what methods they use to train the dogs. After this, we were introduced to the dogs and shown the equipment that is used. Someone from the Young Firefighters was then asked to hide in the smoke house, and the dog that was called ‘Flamo’ was released to try and find Young Firefighter. The dog managed to do this very quickly.

Another trip we went on was the time we went up to the control room in Carmarthen where the 999 calls come in. During our time there, we were shown all the computers that they use, and they also explained to us how they deal with an emergency call and how to tell if the call is a hoax call or not.

We have also had talks on water safety and we watched a DVD on RTC’s. Other things we do on a Monday night are hose running, ladder drills, search and rescue for casualties in the smoke house, knots and lines and combined drills which is when we mix everything we have learned into one drill.

One of the best things we have done so far was the camping trip in August 2007 at Pembrey Country Park in Llanelli. About 100 Young Firefighters and 30 instructors were to the park and it was brilliant.

On the first day, we pitched our tents and had something to eat, we waited until everyone had arrived and then the competitions started. Every fire station had a hose running competition where you had to run out a hose. Under run it and role it out 6 times. The runners up then went to the ‘runners up final’ and the winner of that competition went through to the winner’s final. I got through to the winners final, but this time I had to do it 8 times instead of 6. it was really exhausting, but I came in 4th so it wasn’t to bad.

After that we played ‘It’s A Knock Out’. In this game all the Young Firefighters were split into 6 teams, each team had to role out 4 lengths of hose, make a dam, fill it up and then after filling a little bucket with water, had to run along obstacle course that was covered in water and bubbles and tip the little bucket of water into a bigger bucket. The first team to fill their bucket won. After that, we had something to eat and were finished for the first day, except for later on when we all had a rugby game and a quiz.

For the second day, we had something to eat and then we did some small activities e.g. assailing, rope climbing etc. We then pulled down our tents and went home.

The latest thing we have done so far is the ‘presentation evening’. This was when all of Llanelli’s Young Firefighters families came to the station to watch a demonstration.

The first thing we did was March in front of everyone and then we had to pretend there was a fire in the smoke house. There were two lines of hose going on the building and a ladder was put on the tower. Another Young Firefighter and myself went up to the first floor with a hose reel, and to make it more realistic they set a smoke machine off inside the house.

After the demonstration, another Young Firefighter and myself were promoted to ‘Crew Managers’ and were given stripes to put on our helmets.

When the whole demonstration was over, everyone enjoyed the buffet that the station had laid on for them.

I’ve always wanted to join the Fire Service and for me the Young Firefighters is a good insight into the Fire Service and it’s also good fun. It’s encouraged me even more to join.
Seven Sisters Branch
January 2008

YFA Open Evening

On Friday October 26th the group held its 1st open evening to welcome distinguished guests, parents, family and friends. The group demonstrated their competence and skills when using fire brigade equipment: hoses, ladder, pumps, knots and lines, all tasks being performed admirably.

A number of presentations took place, certificates were presented by Neath & P/Talbot Borough Commander Phil Crayford for Good Conduct to group members who participated in the organisation’s 1st summer camp.

Furthermore, the Young Fire fighter of the Year Award was presented by the Chief Fire Officer Mr. Douglas Mckay to an individual who demonstrated competence, initiative, commitment and good attendance.

YFF’s performing Drills

YFF’s presented with Good Conduct certificates



Without the hard work of the YFF’s, instructors, local and national organisations this scheme would not receive the support and recognition it richly deserves. On behalf of everyone involved I’d like to pay special thanks to:
  • Dulais Valley Partnership
  • Communities First
  • Welsh Council for Voluntary Action
  • Call Of The Wild
  • CFO & Chair of Fire Authority Mr. Colin Crowley


Outdoor Activities

Having participated in a number of outdoor activities with Call of the Wild throughout the year the group headed to Dinas Rock (Glynneath) for the last event. Again, personnel and group challenges were extremely difficult with members participating in rock climbing, abseiling and gorge walking. Throughout the day individuals strived to achieve personnel goals and overcome fears.

Not even climbing the rock could prepare everyone for the afternoon activity…. leaping off river banks and waterfalls into the river Mellte, this supposed to be fun! The group, although a little wet and cold fully enjoyed the experience and can’t wait to return


Fireworks Display

Since its formation the recognition of the YFF group and its role within our communities has strengthened, resulting in requests for the group to attend community events. On Sunday 4th November the group attended the Seven Sisters Rugby Club for the annual Fireworks display, it provided an opportunity to increase the public awareness and display photographs of the group participating in various activities. The All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) from Neath & Port Talbot command was also displayed.


Ten Pin Bowling

The summer camp at Pembrey Country Park resulted in the group making many new friends, especially with the YFA group in Cymmer. The friendship was extended to an evening of Ten Pin Bowling at Swansea with instructors, YFF’s and youth workers from both scheme’s participating in what turned out to be a very competitive evening, hopefully this will become an annual event….forgot to mention we won!

Many thanks to Neath & P/Talbot Youth workers Lester McCalman & Jade Owen for organizing a most enjoyable evening.


USAR

During October the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from M&WWFRS visited Seven Sisters Fire station along with their search dogs ‘Molly’ and ‘Sparkie’. Crew manager Roger Howells explained the intense programme and assessment each dog has to complete, also the importance of using trained dogs to conduct searches over open ground and collapsed structures. Molly then demonstrated her capabilities by searching for our own ‘Hide & Seek’ champion (Callum) hiding out in the grounds of the Fire station, as expected he was found with ease….. and alive.

This was followed up with a visit to the newly built USAR training complex at Earlswood where the group had the opportunity to view facilities and equipment used by all three Welsh Fire & Rescue Services. The group was also given a demonstration by W/M Arwel Hughes and C/M Roger Howells on the use of seismic equipment to detect movement and noise when searching for casualties in collapsed structures. Finally, Arwel’s search dog ‘Flam’ demonstrated his ability to search and detect human casualties.

Jordanna & Elliott using seismic equipment

YFF’s, Instructors, USAR members & Flam at the USAR Training Complex, Earlswood


Future Events

Visit Brigade Workshops
Visit to Swansea Airport& Air Ambulance

May 2007

Communities First Grant

During the autumn of 2006 an application was made under the guidance of The Dulais Valley Partnership for a sum of £5000 to the Communities First Trust Fund on behalf of the young fire fighters scheme based at Seven Sisters Fire Station. This fund is part of a Communities First grant scheme that is managed and administered by the WCVA (Welsh Council for Voluntary Action).

During December 2006 the application was confirmed as being successful much to the delight of the young fire fighters and instructors at Seven Sisters. Since receiving the grant the group have purchased kit such as walking jackets, gaiters, compasses, emergency tents and a variety of ancillary equipment so they are readily prepared for outdoor activities including their next Duke of Edinburgh expeditions albeit the Bronze, Silver of Gold Award!


Outdoor Activities

A range of activities have been implemented to date with the group already having experienced caving and hiking as well as a day participating in team building activities. The outdoor activities have been arranged and co-ordinated by ‘Call of the Wild’ outdoor pursuits company based at Seven Sisters. The young fire fighters must be congratulated for their efforts on both activities especially the day caving and hiking at Ystrafellte which they completed successfully in atrocious weather conditions. Although only a few members attended the Team Building day, the challenges and obstacles set for the group contributed to a fantastic day full of fun and excitement.

Porth-y-Ogof Cave, Ystrafellte

Mouse trap was never this difficult!


The group was asked the to reflect on their experiences;

“Caving was enjoyable and a great experience” (Matthew B.)

“I was proud of myself for achieving the walk in really bad weather” (Leah J.)

“Caving was most exciting as I’ve never done it before” (Matthew P.)

“I overcome my fear of small spaces” (James W.)

New Recruits

A number of new recruits have been welcomed to the station thus enabling the scheme to continue to go from strength to strength.

Jason Holloway
Jade Richards
Elliot Bowen
Hayley Jones
Hannah Rogers
Callum James

The new recruits will be busy during the forthcoming months participating in the YFA ‘Star Award’ scheme, learning new skills and participating in group activities.


Fire Control Visit

The young fire fighters are continuing to carry out their work on the drill yard as well as learning about the Fire Service including a visit to Service Control at Llangunnor. The group would like to thank FCO Elaine Williams and all of Red Watch for a most enjoyable evening.


Future Events

May 25th – Presentation ceremony YFA Star Awards at Morriston Fire Station.

Bronze Award Candidates:
v Matthew Bowen
Shane Rogers
Ceirion Roberts

Further outdoor activities are planned over the forthcoming months;

July – Rock Climbing & Gorge Walking
September – Raft Building & Canoeing


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