Click on the thumbnails above for larger pictures taken before, during and after the grand finale - the "hazard room" fire.

19 July 2009

More than 1,500 people braved the weather to see some spectacular displays at Broughton Fire Station’s annual community safety open day today (Sunday).

It featured a number of demonstrations by the station's wholetime and retained firefighters, and their colleagues from nearby Newport Pagnell Fire Station.

Firefighters showed how they release people who are trapped in vehicles after crashes - with BBC Three Counties Radio's Phil Lack as the "casualty" in a car that was on its side - using hydraulic cutting gear.

They also staged a ladder drill to demonstrate how they rescue someone who is trapped in a burning building.

There were two demonstrations showing how just half a cup of water poured on to a burning pan of oil can turn it into a ball of flame - along with a reminder that the correct procedure is to turn the heat off if it is safe to do so and call 999 after closing the door behind you as you leave.

The grand finale involved a "hazard room" specially built for the day by Bedford-based Piper Scaffolding. Firefighters set up a number of potential fire hazards inside it before visitors started to arrive and invited them to list them all.

They set fire to it shortly before the open day ended - and although the blaze was safely extinguished a few minutes later, the room was all but destroyed.

During the day, more than 80 people signed up on Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety exhibition unit to have free safety checks carried out in their homes. If you would like one, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk

Station Manager Geoff Bottle said: "We hope everyone enjoyed the day, and that they took some important fire safety and road safety messages away with them as well."

Firefighter Richard Allman, who organised the open day, said: "We would like to thank everyone who came along, and everyone who helped us stage it."

The money raised at the open day - just over £2,800 - will be presented to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides assistance to serving and retired fire and rescue service staff, their families and dependants.

Other forthcoming open days in Milton Keynes

Saturday 25 July, 12 noon to 4pm – Great Holm Fire Station, Haddon, Great Holm

Sunday 23 August, 10am to 4pm – The Safety Centre, Carters Lane, Kiln Farm

Saturday 5 September, 12 noon to 4pm – Bletchley Fire Station, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley