Stourbridge firefighters hoping online vote will fulfil their burning ambition (From Stourbridge News)

Stourbridge firefighters hoping online vote will fulfil their burning ambition

5:30pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

STOURBRIDGE firefighters' are hoping their burning ambition to be the best will be fulfilled at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The St John's Road fire station is in the final three for West Midlands Fire Services's Aspire Awards Station of the Year 2012 and officers are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the announcement of the winner next month.

Stourbridge is up against stations in Bilston and Aldridge for top spot after an online public vote produced what is already known to be a close result - although the final rankings remain a closely guarded secret.

Stourbridge station commander, Chris wood, said: "Getting to the final three is great news, its fantastic and hopefully we will have hit the right notes to give us the win."

The Stourbridge station does more than just provide a base for firefighters, their mock house called Calamity Cottage has, in the past year, been used to demonstrate fire safety hazards to more than 1,500 children.

The station is also home for the Stourbridge branch of the Young Firefighters Association which runs programmes for 11 to 16-year-olds in a range of activities including camping, abseiling and child health and safety education.

A recent open day at the station attracted more than 2,000 visitors to see the work of fire officers and partner organisations.

The Aspire Awards ceremony will take place on Friday October 12 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, where the best station in the West Midlands will be announced.