“Saturday’s open day is not just about having the chance to see the tankers and trucks up close, it’s also a great chance to learn more about the skills our firefighters have, what they do on a day-to-day basis and getting to know your local crew”, he said.

“Our local fire fighters do a tremendous job providing a service the community we all hope we never need, but feel overwhelmed with relief knowing they are just a phone call away when we do require their assistance”.

The open day is about fun – giving kids the chance to see a fire engine and firefighters up close – but also  about advice and learning good ways of avoiding fires at home.

The particular concern at the moment is safety around cooking as winter comes. 

Under the slogan “Keep Looking When Cooking”, fire fighters are urging people not to forget above food being cooked on a stove – keep an eye on it, is the message.

Captain Earl Charman of the Glen Innes brigade promised that children would be able to try their hands with a hose.

Adam Marshall said: “Every child longs to have the chance to see a fire truck close up, this open day is a good way to entertain the family while having a refresher on some basic skills that could make all the difference is a blaze were to break out in your home.”

The open day starts at 10 am and goes through until 2 pm.