Press Release - Fire Station visit for Chernobyl youngsters

Having fun at Temple Fire Station

Monday 30 July
15.30hrs

***Photograph and filming and opportunities – Temple Fire Station, Wednesday 1 August at 11.30hrs***

Belarusian children and teenagers living under the shadow of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster will visit firefighters at Temple Fire Station on Wednesday.

The group of around 20 young people will be given a tour of the station, eat lunch with members of Green Watch and then have an opportunity to test out the high pressure hose reels.

Wednesday’s visit is part of a long-standing arrangement between Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) and the Bristol link of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. Over recent years the charity has given many young people from Belarus the chance to experience life at Temple Fire Station.

Temple Station Manager Steve Bagg said the service was delighted to be able to open its doors to the group.

He added: “We are only too happy to help in giving the young people a memorable visit to the UK. The children have suffered a lot as a result of growing up in the shadow of the Chernobyl disaster and their visit to the UK will help improve their health.

“The Chernobyl disaster is always close to our hearts as many firefighters died from radioactive poisoning after tackling the fires that broke out following the initial explosion.”

 For more information on the Bristol link of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline log onto www.bristol.ccll.org.uk or email bristol@ccll.org.uk