You're invited to attend fire stations in Taree, Wingham, Forster and Gloucester this Saturday for the annual Open Day.
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Between 10am and 2pm, visitors will meet their local firefighters, learn more about their daily duties and the ins and outs of fire trucks and equipment.
Activities will include demonstrations, tours and safety presentations. Taree Fire Station Commander Peter Willard highlighted the benefits of the day.
"It's a great opportunity for people to visit your local fire station, meet your local firefighters and ask any question you like about firefighting.
"There will be displays of all our equipment, our hazmat equipment and our firefighting equipment.
"It's an opportunity for families to interact with their firefighters, children to have a go on the fire hose and of course we'll be having a sausage sizzle at lunchtime to share with the public," Commander Willard said.
In Taree, firefighters will use hydraulic rescue equipment to cut up a car into pieces. And then there is the kitchen fire display.
"It's a really spectacular demonstration of what happens when you add water to hot cooking oil," Commander Willard said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said Open Day gives communities across NSW an insight into the service.
It's a great opportunity for people to visit your local fire station, meet your local firefighters and ask any question you like about firefighting.
- Peter Willard, Taree Fire Station Commander
"Our firefighters do fight fires and save people from burning buildings, but our mission and our capabilities extend far beyond fire response.
"From road crashes, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters to urban search and rescue and humanitarian relief, our firefighters are prepared for anything and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.
"Come and meet the team that's prepared for anything on Open Day and learn how to keep your family safe from fire and other emergencies," Commissioner Baxter said.
Reminding residents of fire dangers couldn't come at a better time heading into winter.
During the cooler months, home fires increase by 10 per cent.
This is due to more fires starting in bedrooms and lounge rooms through heaters and electric blankets.
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