Step into The Boots of a Real Firefighter For The Day

For anyone who’s ever been curious about pursuing a career as a firefighter, or perhaps spent far too many hours watching Chicago Fire, this is your chance to don your very own firefighter uniform and step into the boots of a real life hero. From entering smoke-filled rooms to handling authentic firefighter equipment and learning vital breathing apparatus techniques, this Firefighter Experience Day is as close as you’ll get to the real thing.

It’s an experience that goes beyond the adrenaline. It’s not all about charging into the heat of the action, it’s about focus, resilience, and most importantly, teamwork.

So, if you’re looking for gifts for someone who has everything, a unique day out with friends, or perhaps a way to bring your colleagues together through fun and challenging team building events, this Firefighter Experience Day ticks all the boxes. 

Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect, who it’s for, and why it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences out there!

What is the job of a Firefighter?

Firefighters do far more than just put out flames. Their role is varied, challenging, and essential to public safety. Whether responding to emergencies or supporting their local community, a firefighter's responsibilities cover a wide range of incidents. 

From firefighting itself to attending road traffic accidents, here are some of the main duties involved:

• Responding to fires and carrying out firefighting operations
• Attending road traffic accidents and rescuing those involved
• Working as part of a highly trained crew during emergency incidents
• Using specialist equipment to handle hazardous situations
• Carrying out fire safety checks and educating the public
• Assisting in flood rescues and other natural disasters
• Supporting emergency services at major incidents and events

What Is a Firefighter Experience Day?

A Firefighter Experience Day is a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and get a real taste of what it’s like to be a firefighter for the day. Using real safety equipment and taking part in authentic fire and rescue scenarios, you’ll not only gain insight into how to become a firefighter, but you’ll also have an incredible time learning practical skills, building confidence, and working as part of a crew.

Highlights of the Day

Suiting up in full fire kit

You’ll start the day by getting kitted out just like a real firefighter, in boots, gloves, and even a firefighter helmet. It’s all part of the immersive experience and sets the tone for what’s to come.

Real fire and rescue scenarios

Step into the world of a working firefighter with realistic fire and rescue scenarios, including entering a smoke-filled room during a search and rescue drill. These controlled simulations mirror the intense conditions faced by the fire service, offering an authentic glimpse into real Firefighter training, all in a safe, supervised environment.

Using fire hoses

Feel the power of a real fire hose in your hands as you learn how to direct water with force and accuracy, just like crews would do in a live emergency.

Cutting through a car with rescue tools

Using specialist cutting equipment, you’ll simulate freeing a casualty from a vehicle. A skill firefighters use daily in traffic accidents.

Learning breathing apparatus techniques

Get familiar with how the breathing apparatus works and understand the importance of staying calm and controlled when oxygen is limited, a core part of any Firefighter simulator course.

Team-based fire drills

You’ll work closely with others to complete timed fire drills that mirror the teamwork and split-second decision-making needed on the job.

Perfect photo ops for friends or Instagram

Strike a pose in your full gear or snap action shots during the drills; this experience isn’t just memorable, it’s highly shareable.

Certificate of Completion

At the end of the day, you’ll be awarded a certificate to recognise your achievement, the perfect keepsake to commemorate your time as a firefighter-in-training.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

Whether it’s a lifelong dream or just a chance to try something completely different, this Firefighter Experience Day is ideal for a wide range of people. From future recruits to thrill-seeking friends, it’s a memorable way to join the action and experience life at the fire station for a day.

Aspiring firefighters
If you’ve ever thought about joining the fire service, this is a fantastic chance to see what the job really involves. It offers genuine insight into the training, teamwork and physical demands required.

Adults and older teens
With a minimum age of 16 (and parental or guardian permission needed for under 18s), this is a brilliant gift for teens looking for career inspiration or adults keen to try something bold and new.

Gift idea for someone who’s done “everything”
Struggling to surprise someone who’s tried every experience under the sun? This firefighter day is truly out of the ordinary, and sure to be the missing something from their very long list of achievements.

Great bonding experience for friends or couples
Work together through smoke-filled challenges and fire drills. It’s a fun, high-energy way to connect, support one another, and make unforgettable memories.

Team-building or corporate days out
Leave the office behind and join your crew for a team-building day that pushes communication, trust, and cooperation to the max.

Hen or stag dos
For an action-packed send-off, this experience is a winner. Swap the firefighter outfit for the real fire kit and give the bride or groom something totally unexpected before the big day.

What To Wear & Bring

For a day as exciting and unforgettable as this, you’ll want to come prepared, with a sense of adventure and a willingness to get stuck in. All safety equipment and fire kit are provided, so while you won’t need much, here are a few essentials to bring along:

• Old clothes for under the gear
  Wear something comfortable and not too precious; you’ll be layering up underneath the fire kit. Don’t forget long socks to keep those fire boots feeling snug.
   
• Spare change of clothes
  You might get hot, sweaty, or slightly damp; having something fresh to change into is a good idea.
   
• Bring a water bottle
  Stay hydrated, things can heat up quickly (literally).
   
• Camera or phone for photos (during breaks)
  You’ll want to capture some of the action, just save the selfies for between drills.

Need to Know Info

Here’s the essential information to help you plan your Firefighter Experience Day:

Location: Marine Park, Shore Rd, Hythe SO45 6HE

Duration: 7 hours, this is a full day experience 

Availability: This experience currently only runs on weekdays. We recommend booking your experience at least 4 weeks in advance

Restrictions: Due to the physically demanding nature of the experience, all participants must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be able to understand and follow verbal instructions.

Fire kit provided: uniform, boots, helmet, flash hoods and gloves

So, whether you know someone who’s always dreamed of joining the fire service or you’re up for the challenge yourself, this Firefighter Experience Day is not only a fun and educational day out, but also a chance to go behind the scenes and experience first-hand what it takes to be part of the crew. From the gear to the grit, it’s a day you won’t forget in a hurry.