Carlisle firefighters are throwing open the Rickergate fire station's doors to the city's Polish population in a bid to get across important safety advice.
Poles make up the majority of migrant workers in the border city and the county's Fire and Rescue Service is holding a special open day on Saturday 11 August to deliver fire prevention advice and explain the benefits of smoke detectors which are still not widely used in Poland.
Cumbria's first Polish firefighter Lukasz Chodera will be on hand to advise his fellow Poles about the dangers of fire at the event which takes place from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
In 2005, the successful rescue by firefighters of thirteen Polish workers from a burning house in Carlisle's Chatsworth Square was hampered by communication problems with the occupants.
Alongside advice on how to receive free smoke detectors, firefighters will be handing out fire prevention leaflets in Polish as well as demonstrating the devastating force of a chip pan fire.
Other organisations, including the county council's Library Service and Cumbria Primary Care Trust will also be taking part in the day which is designed to help break down barriers to communication with the Polish community.
Speaking ahead of the open day, Cumbria's Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison said: "This event is all about making Carlisle's Polish community aware of the services and help that the Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations can provide.
"Many Polish migrant workers live in places of multiple occupancy and it is important that these properties have fully working smoke alarms - something firefighters can install free of charge.
"Saturday's activities will help us break down barriers preventing many of the city's Polish residents from accessing potentially life saving safety advice.
"As well as fitting smoke detectors, firefighters can provide home safety checks which identify possible hazards and make sure everyone in the property knows what to do in the event of a fire."
Anyone in Cumbria can apply for a free home safety check by contacting the Fire and Rescue Service on: 0800-358-4777.
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