Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Display of Firefighting Skills Part of Council Award to NIFRS 

Ards and North Down Borough Council will confer its highest honour, the Freedom of the Borough, on Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) on Saturday 12 October 2024.  As part of the celebrations there will be a fun afternoon and public display of firefighting skills by local Firefighters at Bangor City Hall from 3pm to 5pm.

NIFRS responds to fires, road traffic collisions, and specialist rescue incidents, as well as delivering a range of community engagement initiatives and advice on how to stay safe in your home.  Families will have the opportunity to see and learn more about all of this at the public display where Firefighters from all seven local stations will be participating in demonstrations. 

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said: "The Freedom of the Borough is our highest honour, and we bestow it on organisations and people who make a very significant impact on our local community.  The Fire & Rescue Service is extremely deserving, and I know many local people will have a personal story to tell about how the men and women of the Service have saved lives and property in their family or community. 

"I am therefore delighted that as part of the celebrations the Fire & Rescue Service is providing this opportunity for local people to come to City Hall in Bangor, to meet with serving officers from the area and to see a little more of the variety of services they deliver.  I know many people will want to support the event and hope in particular families will join us in the afternoon so that children and young people can gain a better insight into the critical role the Fire & Rescue Service plays in our community."

Come along to City Hall, Bangor from 3-5pm on Saturday 12 October for an afternoon filled with fun activities and exciting displays by our local Firefighters as part of the Freedom celebrations. Everyone welcome!  

As part of the afternoon session the Council is putting a special call out to local Scout groups who can earn their FIRE SAFETY Badge if they attend.  Scout groups can come as a collective, or individual Scouts are very welcome and all with be assisted to complete their badge on the day.     

NIFRS Assistant Group Commander, Jonathan Gamble commented: "The award of Freedom of the Borough is a great privilege for our Fire & Rescue Service as recognition of our contribution to the local community.  It's a further privilege for some of our local Firefighters to participate in the public display and to engage with local people in a fun and relaxed environment that they would usually be afforded.  We are really looking forward to the afternoon and hope that the public join us to find out more about what we do.  We will have specialist equipment on display and will deliver live demonstration of firefighting skills.  There will also be some opportunities for visitors to try firefighting activities for themselves."

After the public display, a formal conferment ceremony will be held in City Hall Bangor for invited guests including serving and retired Firefighters from the local area. 

About our local Fire Stations

Comber Fire Station

Comber Fire Station, established in 1996, serves a population of 17,318 residents across a 45.1 square mile area. The station is equipped with one appliance and a drill tower and is staffed on an on-call basis by a dedicated team of nine firefighters.

Their commitment ensures the safety and rapid response to emergencies within the community. 

Portaferry Fire Station

Portaferry Fire Station, established in 1953, is equipped with one appliance and features a drill tower and training yard at the community centre.

The station serves an area of 31.5 square miles, with a population of 10,251, and is staffed by 12 firefighters on an on-call basis.

Newtownards Fire Station 

Newtownards Fire Station, built in 1960, serves an area of 27.8 square miles with a population of 32,718. The station is equipped with two appliances and a drill tower, and it operates on an on-call basis with a crew of 19 firefighters. 

Holywood Fire Station

Established in 1951, Holywood Fire Station operates with two appliances. The station covers an area of 8.1 square miles, serving a population of 11,446.

It is staffed by 12 on-call Firefighters. Their dedication and diverse roles make them an integral part of the community, ensuring safety and fostering a sense of security among residents.

 Bangor Fire Station

Bangor Fire Station, originally constructed in the 1960s, relocated to its current site in 1990. The station is equipped with two appliances and a drill tower, and it also houses the Bangor District Headquarters.

The station covers an area of 25.0 square miles, serving a population of 69,651. It operates on a full-time basis, with 28 full-time firefighters and 9 on-call firefighters, organised into four shifts to provide 24-hour coverage. 

 Ballywalter Fire Station

Ballywalter Fire Station, established in 1992, is equipped with one appliance and features a drill tower.

The station serves an area of 28.4 square miles, serving a population of 7,803 residents. It operates on an on-call basis, staffed by 13 dedicated firefighters. 

 Donaghadee Fire Station

Donaghadee Fire Station, established in 1963, is equipped with one appliance and a drill tower. The station covers an area of 16.2 square miles, serving a population of 11,067.

Staffed by 10 on-call firefighters, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.