Most fire stations across NSW, including here in Port Macquarie, will be open from 10am to 2pm.

Families are encouraged to come along and meet their local firefighters and learn more about fire prevention.

Port Macquarie station officer Shane Malagre said it was an excellent opportunity to see how they run.

“Kids always enjoy seeing the trucks and it is a great day out for the whole family,” he said.

“I hope to see a lot of the local community at the station this weekend.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said a range of free activities will be on offer, including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and fire safety presentations.

“Firefighters will also be able to provide advice on installing or replacing smoke alarms, and preparing a home fire escape plan,” he said.

“Children will be able to see the fire engines and firefighting equipment up close – always a highlight of this much-anticipated day.

“They will also be able to take home a “Brigade Kids” activity booklet, which teaches them vital fire safety lessons.”

Commissioner Baxter said FRNSW is this year focusing on fire prevention in the kitchen, urging people to “Keep Looking When Cooking”.

“Almost half of all house fires start in the kitchen, usually when people fail to keep an eye on the stovetop,” he said.

“Regrettably, hundreds of injuries occur every year from cooking-related fires, and people have lost their lives as a result.”

Commissioner Baxter said Open Day is also a great opportunity to talk to firefighters on how you can protect your home from fire.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams is encouraging people to take the opportunity of the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day this Saturday to meet local firefighters and learn about fire prevention.

“FRNSW is throwing open fire station doors across the state between 10am and 2pm, and it’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to come along and meet our local firefighters,” Mrs Williams said.

“Children will be able to climb aboard a fire engine, see firefighting equipment up close and take home an educational Brigade Kids activity booklet.

“For the grown-ups, it’s a good opportunity to speak with the professionals to find out more about fire prevention, get advice on installing or replacing smoke alarms and preparing a home fire escape plan.”

The Port Macquarie Fire Station is located at 5 Central Road, Port Macquarie.

For more information about Open Day, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au