Firefighters carrying out a ladder drill at the open day, showing how they rescue someone who is trapped in a burning building.
7 September 2009
An estimated 2,000 people visited Bletchley Fire Station’s open day on Saturday, helping raise £2,400 for charity.
Firefighters and Urban Search and Rescue Crews staged rescue drills throughout the afternoon, and there were two displays by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s fire investigation dogs, Barney and Ember, with their handler Kerry Burns.
The day also included two demonstrations showing how even a small amount 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 doors behind you as you leave.
The two fire engines based at Bletchley Fire Station were on display, along with the Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle run by British Red Cross Volunteers. An Urban Search and Rescue appliance from Aylesbury and the Quint, a combined fire engine and turntable ladder from Great Holm, were also on show.
There was even a flypast from a Lancaster Bomber towards the end of the afternoon, courtesy of an event at nearby Bletchley Park.
During the day, more than 70 people signed up with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to have free safety checks carried out in their homes. Among them was former MK Dons player Paul Mitchell, now the club's community ambassador.
If you would like to book one of these checks, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk
Watch Manager Bob Stilton, who organised the open day, said: "Many thanks to everyone who supported us either by visiting the open day or coming along to help.
“It was one of the best open days we’ve had for years, and we even had a flypast – what more could you ask for!”
Most of the money raised, which included £400 from an auction, will be presented to The Fire Fighters Charity. Ten per cent of the total will be presented to the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust.
Note to media
Many more pictures are available on request to cteam@bucksfire.gov.uk