YFA : Young Firefighters Association at Edinburgh Airport Fire Station

The Fire Service at Edinburgh Airport launched a branch of the Young Firefighters Association in January 2001.

We are only one of four Fire services in Scotland running branches, the other's being Strathclyde, Central Scotland, Lothian & Borders and Grampian Fire Brigades.

Along with these four in Scotland, another 42 Fire Brigades in the United Kingdom run cadet schemes involving over 6000 young people.

Our branch is based at the Airport Fire Station, Edinburgh Airport. All the Instructors are volunteers and are full time firefighters. The branch is funded directly by BAA Edinburgh Airport, through fund raising activities carried out by the cadets, and donations kindly received from the general public.

The Young Firefighters, both male and female, range in age from 13 - 17 years old. They are from Schools in West and East Lothian as well as Edinburgh City.

The Y.F.A is for young people age 13 - 17 years old. During their time in the initiative, they follow a four stage firefighter training programme. On completion of this programme, they attain a National Vocational Qualification in Firefighting.

Our Branch meet every Tuesday evening from 18:30 - 21:00 hrs at the Airport Fire Station. During this period, the cadets learn all about the theoretical aspects of being a firefighter and carry out various practical drills and exercises incorporating hose running, the use of ladders, Fire Service appliances and various other items of Fire Service equipment including breathing apparatus.

The Young Firefighters own their very own appliance, a 1990 Volvo FL6 4x4 Airport Domestic tender donated by Gatwick Airport. It is maintained at the Airport Motor Transport Section.

Alongside learning to be a Young Firefighter, another aim of the Y.F.A is to have fun, in fact it is compulsory. We regularly have trips away from the Fire Station where we go ten pin bowling, go to the movies, play football, have organised shopping trips or just go out for a burger and coke.

We regularly attend Gala days and other events throughout the local community, where we inform people about the Young Firefighters Association. We also like to promote Community Fire Safety at these events by distributing leaflets and literature on Fire safety in the home.

Each year, the cadets attend a Summer camp at outward bound activity centres throughout the country. This years camp is being hosted by BAA Edinburgh Airport and will be held at Fordell Firs in Fife. It will be attended by approximately 900 cadets from all over the UK and Europe. The cadets will be rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking and pot holing. These activities are great fun and also help build self confidence and team spirit.

To download the most recent Young Firefighters Association Update in .pdf file format click the image below ( You will need to have Adobe Acrobat installed on your PC to view ) :-

If you would like any additional information about the Young Firefighter Association, please contact the Airport Fire Service on 0131 344 3158.