All Fired Up

by Malcolm Castle

Malcolm Castle became a fireman so he could rush into burning buildings and save damsels in distress. What he didn't count on doing was rescuing a sheepdog with his head caught in a fence, or tackling fires wearing cork hats and flammable leggings. In 'All Fired Up', Malcolm reveals what life is really like for a rural fire station.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dorian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of reminiscences, of the author's first year or so as a fireman in Shrewsbury in the early 1980s. Some of the incidents are amusing - some are horrible. The work environment actually sounds pretty toxic in some ways; as newest man the author is given all the worst jobs, made to spend every spare moment cleaning or painting equipment, and comes in for a lot of heavy-duty slagging that's quite close to bullying. (Not to mention the way they all smoke like chimneys!) He accepts it all cheerfully, though, and in due course "proves" himself and gains his own nickname - a badge of acceptance.

Overall it was a pleasant enough read, though 3 stars is perhaps a bit generous.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fireman recounts some anecdotes from his early career.

Some of the stories were interesting / amusing, some were a bit unpleasant and the writing was a bit flat but overall a reasonable read.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Young Malcolm (called Windsor and Jockey most of the book) was a young 18 years old when he became a fireman in the 1980s. His job was in Shrewsbury, England. It’s in a spot right on the border between England and Wales. Birthplace of Charles Dickens. I’m also reading the Cadfael mysteries of medieval time in the same town. His stories of his experience were often humorous. Some serious. He was cheery and loved his job. His experience of having to rescue the Olympic-strength swimming cow from the river and how he had to strip down to his undies. The “rent a crowd” audience cat-calling and shouting suggestions had me rolling. Lovely.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having started as a fireman at around the same time as Malcolm, in a different but equally rural area, so much of his experience accords with mine. It was really interesting to be reminded of the terms and carrying ons we used to get involved with as a watch and the jobs we went to. Later I moved Brigades and had occasion to visit Shrewsbury station regularly so I felt a very small connection with elements of his story. The way it is written it is a good read for old hands or those looking for an insight to the service thirty five years ago.....just don't think it is like that now.......you'd be in for a rude awakening.......both Malcolm and I were on the run when it was still fun!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, enjoyed it more than i thought, looking forward to the other books in the series

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book about the beginning of one man's career as a fireman in a small English town! I'm looking forward to the next one!!

[Mark Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book that captures the raw enthusiasm of a new fireman in the 1980s. He captures the stories of his transition from newbie to established watch member well and presents the colleagues involved sensitively and objectively. I particularly liked the portrayal of Caddie.

Some would lament the changes that have taken place in the fire services over the intervening decades, but I think we understand that in this day and age the kind of toxic practices described during his first months are no longer the most constructive way to get the best out of people. Looking back it seems hard to justify, but all organisations evolve.

Hats off to firefighters the world over and their selfless service.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book following the exploits of a young recruit in the Shropshire County Fire Brigade. This book "Jockeys" first year from his his first shout to taking his exams, looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Captures the often dark humour needed for this line of work perfectly but also portrays them as the humans they are! Nice easy read and an insight to what life was like in a county brigade.

[LAURA JONES · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book set near where i live all about malcolm learning to be a fireman full of tales of his work but also a very human story about how he came to be a fireman his training how he learnt to curtail his enthusiasm into a more dedicated service exams and his final results a very human story the service may have changed a bit now but this is a nice easy read book that makes you realise more how much the fire brigade actually do above and beyond duty

[Sarah Goode · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read to have in between more taxing books. Enjoyable