Lytham Gardens Get Involved day

On Wednesday 30 August, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service held a community engagement event on Lytham Gardens in Nottingham.

This event was funded under the Safer Streets Partnership, which has been promoted in this area to reduce deliberate fires, crime and anti-social behaviour including attacks on blue light responders attending the area. The same funding has been used to improve lighting, CCTV and fencing, and has paid for Community Outreach providers to engage with young people in the area.

Crews from Arnold and Hucknall attended the event, supported by Robyn from District Prevention. Throughout the day representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Nottinghamshire Police joined the event to speak to residents.

The group were joined by Ginny, one of the East Midlands fire investigation dogs, and her handler Dave. The pair demonstrated their skills with Ginny sniffing out a trace of flammable liquid that Dave had placed.

Around 60 people attended the Get Involved event throughout the day and had the opportunity to look around the fire engine, meet Ginny and roll out and squirt the hose.

Robyn Ellis, District Prevention Officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Engaging with people in the community about how to keep themselves safe from fire is a key part of our work and we were delighted to speak with the residents and show them some of what we do alongside some of our partners."

Watch Manager Nick Owen of Arnold Fire Station added: "Two years ago myself and my crew were subjected to attacks on this same street. It is testament to the strong community bond that we have built through the Safer Streets Partnership that we can carry out such an enjoyable event here today.

"We all really enjoyed the day and the opportunity to speak to people about fire safety. If you or someone you know can't assess the fire risk in your home, please book a free Safe and Well visit on our website."