Fireman Sam is referred to as the 'hero next door' who remains composed in an emergency and unfailingly offers assistance to all those in need. Sam spends his spare time in his 'inventing shed' in which he makes devices ranging from a potato picker made from old bicycle part to a machine capable of replacing the town band. On occasion his inventive streak can undermine his emphasis on fire safety. His catchphrase is 'Great fires of London!'