Right in the heart of Beeston, teams of firefighters work around the clock to keep its local residents safe.
Firefighters at Hunslet Fire Station on Dewsbury Road are called out on around 100 jobs every month.
And there’s one particular employee who stands out from the crowd.
Shelley Jones, 30, is the only female firefighter at Hunslet.
She said: “I’ve been in the job for five years so far and it feels like I have 10 older brothers.
“They are a good bunch and don’t treat me any differently.
“It makes no difference whether there are more males or females in the job, as long as they are capable of doing the job, it doesn’t matter.
“I have to go to the gym every day because I don’t want there to be something I can’t do.
“I can put out the ladders, deal with fires and carry out the job just like the rest of them.
“It’s good to keep a peg for your nose though, as you can imagine what it’s like working with men.”
The station was built 49 years ago and firefighters believe that despite it being in Beeston, it was named Hunslet Fire Station because of the location of political wards when it first opened.
Recently the station was spared from cuts that affected most of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, thanks to strong support from the public during consultations.
Station Commander Richard Gomersall, who was born and raised in Beeston, said: “The initial proposal was for Hunslet and Morley station to close and to have one by the White Rose Centre.
“But we have had a reprieve from the cuts in this area for now, which has really given the firefighters a lift because they were upset about the original plans.
“And our second appliance will be staying with us until at least 2019, which is great.”
Richard is keen for residents to take advantage of free home fire safety checks, which have been set up by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “I would urge residents and particularly vulnerable people to act upon the leaflets that we are giving out.
“We provide a free service where people can book appointments and we can come to your home to talk about fire safety and fit smoke detectors for you.
“We are trying to get out into the community and get our message out there.”
He added: “I would like the people in and around the Beeston area to be open with us and be prepared to get in touch with us to help teach them about preventative measures.”
For more information about the free home fire safety checks, or to book an appointment, contact your local fire station.
Alternatively, you can book online at: www.westyorksfire.gov.uk by clicking on the ‘book online’ icon.
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