Firefighters step in to help after they spot family struggling with paddling pool

A number of firefighters in North Carolina made a little boy's birthday after they spotted a family struggling to fill up a paddling pool. 

They were desperately using pots and pans to carry water from a sink to the pool, but it was a sweltering hot day and they were struggling. 

Well they were until Firehouse 18 came along. 

Firefighters from the Charlotte firehouse department were on their way back from an emergency call, when they stopped to help the family.

Taking to Facebook, Charlotte Fire Station 18 shared what happened, and to thank those firefighters for making the little boy's birthday.

"Firehouse 18 is a neighbourhood firehouse full of men and woman who truly care about the families they swore to protect," they wrote.

"Today, after leaving a medical call, Engine 18 stumbled across a family desperately trying to fill up a kiddy pool by filling pots from the sink for a little boy's birthday on this sweltering day.

"What was just a simple task for us turned into laughter, smiles, and a life long memory for the neighbourhood kids as well as the men on Engine 18. Proud to serve the WESTSIDE!"

Not surprisingly, people were quick to praise them for their kind gesture. 

"Thanks for everything you do every day! That family will never forget this memory!" wrote one. 

Another said: "True heroes who serve community."