THREE generations of a family have served Seascale Fire Station for 45 years collectively. 

The trio have attributed this to their 'camaraderie' and 'community spirit.'

George Steele became the family’s third generation of On-Call Firefighters when he joined the crew in July this year, following in the footsteps of father Terry, who joined in 1991 and continues to serve, and grandfather Chris, who was part of the team from 1978 to 2002.

“It was the natural progression for me,” said George, part of the most recent cohort of On-Call Firefighters recruited by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service this summer.

“I had grown up in a fire service family and joining the crew was all I ever wanted to do. I love it.”

The family’s connection with the village station began in 1978 when Chris was invited to join the crew.

He said: “I lived in Seascale and had a business in the village and was asked by a friend Harry Twentyman (the then Station Sub-Officer) if I’d like to join the crew."

In the 1980s and 1990s, when Chris and his son Terry were on the crew together, the nature of call-outs was very different than today, with chippan and chimney fires commonplace.

The crew’s protective kit and firefighting equipment were basic at that time, added Terry, which is a far cry from today’s service.

Terry said: "You also get a real community atmosphere on an On-Call station; over the years we’ve had numerous parties, rummage sales, fundraisers, car washes here – it’s an extension of the family in many ways."

A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Recruitment Team added: “If you’re thinking of becoming an On-Call Firefighter, you will initially need to be at least 18 years old, live within five miles of one of our stations, and have a full UK driving license.

“If you meet this criteria, it’s a brilliant start, and you can submit a registration form and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch."