There was a line out the door before the station had even officially opened with people of all ages eagerly awaiting the chance to have a close look inside a real fire station.

Port Macquarie station commander Derek Alford said the open day was a great chance for Port Macquarie locals to come and have a look around the station.

“We have been blown away by the amount of people we have had through the station and lots of kids have had the chance to climb up into one of our trucks,” Mr Alford said.

“Days like today are a great chance for everyone to come along and see some of the equipment we use.

“We also find that it is the parents who ask the most question whether that be about smoke alarms, evacuation plans or just about our job.”

Mr Alford said the day was also a great chance for firefighters to talk to the public about smoke alarms heading into winter.

“The open day is a great chance for us to give everyone a reminder on fire safety and with winter approaching we are heading into our busiest part of the year with people using heaters and candles now the weather is colder,” he said.

“Winter is the worst time of year for house fires and it is great chance for us to talk to the whole family about fire safety, especially smoke alarms and action plans.”

One delighted child, Oscar, said it was a dream come true to be able to come to the station.

“I want to be a firefighter when I grow up so it is great to be able to come along to the open day and have a look around,” he said.