FIREFIGHTERS received a wonderful response after saving their day with their 'fire engine float'.
After reading that the float would not be touring round St Asaph this year, St Asaph Retained Duty System (RDS) station received permission to use the St Asaph Fire Engine as an improvised Christmas float so children wouldn't miss out.
It took to the streets on Tuesday, December 19 and more than £300 was raised for the firefighters charity which supports members [serving and retired] with their mental health and more.
Firefighters donned Santa hats and the big man himself was even in attendance.
Firefighter Michael Howie said: "We raised £385.85 for the Firefighters charity which is amazing.
"The turn out was fantastic and hopefully we brought some smiles to the community."
Prior to the float heading out, Jane Honey, deputy head of prevention at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, 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.
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"Hopefully the Rotary Club will be able to do their float next year or we can look at doing something jointly in the future."
Members of the public / volunteers followed the 'float' and handed out treats. The residents were not affiliated directly with members of the fire station.
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.
Anyone is welcome to see the team drilling on Tuesday nights between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.
The crew would like to thank everyone who turned out to see the float.
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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
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