Your monthly newsletter from West Midlands Fire Service

This Saturday (4 May) is Firefighters’ Memorial Day. Crews will parade outside their fire stations in memory of all colleagues who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

We’ll be sharing some photos on our social media channels (@WestMidsFire).
It’s also the day of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
 

Last week we sent more resources to support firefighting colleagues in Ukraine.

Six members of our staff volunteered to drive two fire engines, which we donated with equipment including ladders, thermal imaging cameras and hoses - all previously used across the West Midlands but since replaced.

Several UK fire and rescue services were involved, with 30 vehicles handed over. 
Read about the journey of the convoy to Ukraine.

Deaf Awareness Week begins on Monday 6 May, with a focus on sharing information and resources for children and young people with hearing impairments. 

Here at WMFS, we have dedicated members of staff who are trained to communicate in sign language. And we have firefighters who can fit specialist smoke alarms for those who need them. 

Find out about our Safe and Well visits where we fit specialist smoke alarms. 

Hoarding Awareness Week

National Hoarding Awareness Week 2024 runs from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May. 

Hoarding can be a very complex issue. The week aims to explain some of the reasons it happens, and where to find help. 

Keep an eye on our social media channels for tips and advice during the week. 

Hoarding is one of the topics covered in our Safe and Well visits, which you can find out about on our Safe and Well page.

For advice and information on symptoms or signs of hoarding, visit the NHS page on hoarding disorder. 
 

Fifty years ago, separate fire stations and brigades combined to become West Midlands Fire Service, as we know it today. 

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are holding a series of celebration open days at a number of our fire stations. These will be in addition to our usual summer open days.

We hope you can join us at one of our 50th anniversary celebrations:
Sunday 21 July @ Ward End Fire Station 11am-3pm *
Saturday 27 July @ Stourbridge Fire Station. 11am-3pm
Saturday 3 August @ Fallings Park Fire Station 11am-3pm*
Sunday 11 August @ Woodgate Valley Fire Station 11am-3pm.
Sunday 1 September @ Coventry Fire Station 11am-4pm.

* Times are subject to change – please the links above for individual events, or visit our events page to find out more.

If you’re heading to Birmingham Pride at the end of the month (Sat 25 May), be sure to come and say hello!

Perhaps you’re interested in working for West Midlands Fire Service, named as the UK’s Most Inclusive Employer two years in a row?

Be sure to speak to our staff about career opportunities… and give us a wave if you see our float!