Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- SIA (Safety In Action) - Year 6 students in primary schools in various locations across the county get the chance to learn with through various safety scenarios - fire, water, road, rail, electricity, personal, CPR, etc. Learning which they can bring back home as well. Some of the scenarios are being refreshed to bring them up to date and more relevant.
- Open Days - Fire stations across the county open their doors to the public who can chat to the crew and volunteers to learn about the equipment and methods used and learn a variety of safety messages. The Firefighters Charity are usually present with various fire service related goodies including toys for sale in support of the work of the charity.
- 999 Emergency Services Weekend. This major event held on the Western Lawns, Eastbourne in July gives the public a chance to see and get involved with all sorts of activities by a range of emergency services. A fun family friendly event with volunteers assisting with ESFRS displays.
Casualty Care - held at Maresfield STC, volunteers act as pretend casualties so the operational crews can refresh their first aid training. East Sussex firefighters are trained to deliver first response emergency aid until an ambulance arrives. Previously two firefighters have been given an award for saving someone’s life using CPR technique while off duty.
- Business Fire Safety Training - helping with meet and greet and refreshments. It can also result in chosen volunteers learning about various fire risks that affect us all.
- Old Friends Reunion - every year retired firefighters and their partners are invited to a gathering where they can meet, chat, reminisce, study photo albums of fire service incidents and events, eat and drink plenty and change to see an example of the latest front line response vehicle being demonstrated. Volunteers assist with meet and greet and refreshments.
- Fire Cadets - There are currently three units of cadets Bexhill, Eastbourne and Uckfield. Young people between 13-17 can join a cadet unit and learn a variety of practical confidence building skills. Cadets are very popular and often over-subscribed. Volunteers help with training. A new cadet unit is now starting at Hastings, Bohemia Road Fire Station. Sponsorship always welcome especially for the new cadet unit to help with the cost of uniform and other necessary kit.
- Volunteer Celebration. This event happens every year usually in June. It is a chance to hear about and share stories of the Community Volunteers work during the year. Chief fire officers and dignitaries including the chair of the Fire Authority and the High Sheriff of Sussex are expected to attend and awards made to volunteers.
- Telephone Befriending. Supporting anyone feeling isolated with regular phone calls.
- Electric Blanket Testing - these are an annual event checking electric blanket safety at various convenient locations across East Sussex. They start in mid October and everyone is invited to bring their electric blanket along for a FREE test!
- To book a FREE Home Safety Visit: www.esfrs.org or phone: 0800 177 7069