Firefighters are pictured showing the crowd how they release someone who is trapped in a vehicle after a crash.

8 September 2008

Saturday’s open day at Bletchley Fire Station raised £2,300 for charity in five hours.

The station welcomed an estimated 2,000 visitors during the afternoon, and staged a series of safety displays.

Other attractions included a bouncy castle, face-painting, a barbecue, a display by Thames Valley Police's road safety unit, a raffle and a display of fire engines including the three vehicles based at Bletchley Fire Station - the Rescue Pump operated by the station's wholetime firefighters, the Water Tanker/Tender operated by its Retained Duty System crew and the Fire & Emergency Support Service vehicle run by British Red Cross Volunteers.

All three vehicles were called out to emergencies while the open day was in full swing.

Highlights included a demonstration by firefighters showing how they release someone who is trapped in a vehicle following a crash and a display by Kerry Burns, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's fire investigation dog handler, and her two fire investigation dogs.

The event was organised by the station’s firefighters, who were helped on the day by colleagues from Great Holm and the Community Safety team.

Watch Manager Bob Stilton said: "Despite the weather forecast we attracted 2,000 visitors and were very lucky not to have any rain at all. Our aim was to give people of all ages an enjoyable afternoon out and to provide them with some important fire safety and road safety messages."

Station Manager Dave Norris, said: “We are really pleased with the amount raised and would like to thank everyone for their support”.

The proceeds are being donated to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides assistance to serving and retired fire and rescue service staff, their families and dependants.