Bellingen Fire Station will be open from 10am to 2pm and families can come along and meet their local firefighters and learn more about fire prevention.

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.

Children will be able to see the fire engines and firefighting equipment up close – always a highlight of this much-anticipated day. They’ll also be able to take home a “Brigade Kids” activity booklet, which teaches them vital fire safety lessons.

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

Station Commander Brian Woollard said almost half of all house fires start in the kitchen, usually when people fail to keep an eye on the stove top.

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

“Also, with winter coming, the Open Day is a great opportunity to talk to the experts about replacing smoke alarms. We’re encouraging residents to replace their outdated alarms with the latest 10-year, lithium-powered smoke alarms.

“So come along to the fire station and talk to us about how you can reduce the risk of fire destroying your life.”