HUNTER FIRE STATIONS OPEN THEIR DOORS TO THE PUBLIC

Watch firefighters in action, see how your local Rural Fire Station works and meet your local volunteers at the annual NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Open Day.

RFS Fire Mitigation Officer, Keith Lobb said brigade stations in the Hunter Valley area are welcoming everyone to come and get a taste of local brigade life when they throw open their doors to the public.

“It’s a great chance for families to bring the kids along to look inside the big red trucks, try on the protective clothing and helmets used for fighting fires and get a feel for helping to hold a firefighting hose,” said Mr Lobb

The following NSW RFS brigade stations in the Hunter Valley team area have organised a range of events to educate people from firefighting demonstrations to promotional giveaways:

Saturday 22nd September 2012

Jerrys Plains Rural Fire brigade, Pagan Street Jerrys Plains -10am to 2pm

Broke Rural Fire brigade, Broke Road Broke - 10am to 2pm

Wybong Rural Fire brigade, Yarramin Road Wybong -10am to 2pm

Sunday 23rd September 2012

Putty Rural Fire brigade, 426 Putty Valley Road Putty-10am to 2pm

“For children and adults alike, the Open Day will also give you a chance to learn valuable skills on how to protect yourself and your family from bush and grass fires.”

“Our members are part of their local community. They would love you to visit them and discover more about the roles they play in all types of emergencies through practical demonstrations at their local brigade station.”

“I’d encourage all local residents to come along on Saturday 22 September to join in the fun, meet your local volunteers and thank them for the invaluable work they do for the community,” said Hunter Valley Team manager, Superintendent Paul Jones.

This year’s Open Day marks the start of Bush Fire Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with bush and grass fires and the best ways to protect you, your family and property from fire this summer.

Bush Fire Awareness Week runs from Saturday 22 September to Monday 1 October 2012

For further information or for interviews, please contact Keith Lobb on 6574 5186.