Yahoo News London firefighters to throw parties for pensioners alone at Christmas and children in hospitals
Firefighters in stations across London will throw Christmas parties for pensioners, children in hospitals and vulnerable people in their local areas.
The London Fire Brigade has organised 21 community events at 18 different stations in the run up to Christmas.
The firefighters will cook festive food for people in the heart of their communities, including some who live by themselves and may find the Christmas period lonely.
Acton fire station is preparing to host a party for 50 local pensioners on Thursday, while Dockhead fire station has planned a full Christmas dinner for 20 people.
Local children will sing carols in Lewisham as fire crews carry out their annual mock rescue of Father Christmas from the station drill tower before serving up a festive feast.
LBF’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations Jane Philpott said: “As always our firefighters will be bringing the Christmas spirit to hundreds of vulnerable older people and children who will be in hospital over the festive period.
“There have been parties, lunches, present drops, carol concerts and many more festive events will be taking place across London.
“With so many people set to spend time on their own, it’s especially nice to welcome them into our stations and also ensure they are keeping safe from fires in their homes.”
The firefighters are hoping to reach out to those who live by themselves and are therefore more at risk of being caught in a fire, the brigade said.
They will use the events to check people are safe in their homes with a working fire alarm and have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire.
Firefighters will also use the opportunity to book in "Home Fire Safety Visits" for the guests.
