Hundreds of people visited Solihull fire station for an open day that combined hands-on experiences with public information on the borough’s emergency response. The event showcased operational skills and allowed attendees to speak directly with crews about the challenges they are facing during the current spell of exceptionally hot weather.
Displays, demonstrations and public engagement
Visitors were able to try a range of interactive exhibits and watch live demonstrations staged by firefighters. Attractions included a smoke room experience, examples of the firefighter fitness test and a live road traffic collision rescue demonstration.
- Interactive smoky room to illustrate conditions inside burning buildings
- Fitness testing displays showing the physical demands on crews
- Rescue demonstrations simulating vehicle collisions
- Stalls and representation from partner agencies and local groups
Crews were supported on the day by colleagues from across the borough, including West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Midlands Police, alongside local businesses and charities offering advice and information.
Senior civic figures engage with frontline staff
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Marwa, attended the event, along with the constituency MP, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst (Solihull West and Shirley). Both took the opportunity to meet senior fire personnel and discuss service pressures with the borough’s senior fire officer, Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill.
“The Solihull Fire Station Open Day certainly didn’t disappoint. There were some brilliant displays and plenty for families to enjoy. It was a pleasure to meet, once again, Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill and discuss the pressures the recent heatwave has placed on the Fire Service and to thank him, and all those serving with West Midlands Fire Service, for everything they do to keep our communities safe. It was also great to see so many local residents turning out to support the event.”
The quote above was given by Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst during the open day. His remarks underlined local concern about the additional demand hot weather places on emergency services, from increased fire risk to the strain on operational resources.
Local impact and practical information
Organisers said the open day aimed both to demonstrate rescue capability and to raise awareness among residents about personal and household fire safety during extreme temperatures. Information on preventing heat-related incidents and how to contact emergency services was made available across the site.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Smoke room | Show internal conditions and hazard awareness |
| Fitness test demo | Illustrate the physical demands on crews |
| RTC rescue | Demonstrate casualty extraction techniques |
For residents concerned about fire risk during hot weather, the event reiterated basic precautions: keep barbecues away from flammable surfaces, never leave cooking unattended, and ensure smoke alarms are fitted and working. While the open day provided reassurance about local capability, councillors and firefighters reiterated that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce incidents.
Attendance by elected representatives and partner agencies offered an opportunity for direct accountability and for local leaders to hear frontline concerns. With temperatures expected to remain high at times this summer, the public-facing nature of the event sought to strengthen community understanding and resilience.
