A FIRE Engine float will be taking to the streets of St Asaph to spread festive joy.

After hearing that the float would not be touring around the city this year, firefighters, from St Asaph Retained Duty System (RDS) station, decided to save the day! And received permission to use the St Asaph Fire Engine as an  improvised Christmas float so the children do not miss out. 

The fire engine float will be heading out on Tuesday, December 19 from 6.30pm.

Jane Honey, Community safety and arson reduction manager, said: "They are a fabulous crew. They are doing this out of goodness of their hearts, they volunteered to do it - no payment is being given. The whole crew is behind this.

"They heard that the rotary weren't able to do the route this year. 

"The crew will still be available for fire calls and their training will be carried out on an alternative day. 

"Donations are being collected for the Firefighters charity which supports members [serving and retired] with their mental health and more.

"Hopefully the Rotary Club will be able to do their float next year or we can look at doing something jointly in the future."

Residents are welcome to come to the station tonight to see the 'float' leave. Anyone wishing to join the volunteers, handing out treats, is advised to arrive no later that 6.20pm.

Some areas will be tricky for the volunteers to navigate safety with a fire engine. They plan to stop at the car park and stop in the leisure centre.

Members of the public / volunteers are not affiliated directly with members of the fire station, but will be following the 'float' handing out treats. 

St Asaph is a Retained Duty System (RDS) station. RDS firefighters are skilled individuals who do ordinary jobs and offer evening, daytime and/or weekend cover.

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North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following. They have shared the following 12 tips for festive fire safety:

  • Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (This is a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
  • Never place candles near your Christmas tree, furniture or curtains. Don't leave them burning unattended.
  • Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.
  • Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
  • Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on.
  • Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug them before you go to bed. Christmas is a time when we use more electrical items - don't overload sockets and plugs but use correctly fused multi gang safety leads.
  • Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
  • If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
  • Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
  • Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
  • Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.
  • Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas. Make sure they are safe from fire, as well as checking on their well-being.