Firefighters open their doors

“We will have a couple of static displays, lots of information on fire safety and some hand-outs for the public,” Queanbeyan station commander Mark Beachcroft said.

“There will be stuff for the kids too, like the fire truck - which is always popular - and we will set up a hose out the back off the fire hydrant and the kids will be able to squirt the house.”

As a further attraction for the kids, FRNSW has teamed up with LEGO City in order to spread the fire safety message, and as a result Open Day visitors will receive a new Brigade Kids activity booklet and LEGO City minifigures.

But despite the festivities, Mr Beachcroft said the Open Day was also a good opportunity to push a sombre yet important message regarding fire safety to the public.

“We’re coming into winter so it’s a good opportunity to really push for fire safety,” Mr Beachcroft said.   

“People leave their heaters out and on and we get a bit complacent at the start of winter. With May being 10th anniversary of the introduction of smoke alarm legislation, Open Day is a timely opportunity to talk to the experts about replacing your smoke alarms.

“Given that not all smoke alarms last beyond ten years, this year we are encouraging residents to replace their outdated alarms with the latest photoelectric smoke alarms, which provide earlier detection and fewer false alarms.

“Come and talk to us about how you can reduce the risk of fire destroying your life.”

The Open Day will be held at the Queanbeyan Fire Station, 41 Campbell Street, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, May 21.