Families were given the opportunity to learn more about their local fire station at a summer open day.

SafeWise and Weymouth Fire Station, which are based on Radipole Lane in Weymouth, held a joint open day on Saturday.

  • See all our pictures from the day here.
  • Check out our video of one of the firefighters abseiling below.

The event was organised to raise money for both the SafeWise charity and the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports fire service personnel and their families in times of need.

During the open day, firefighters got hearts racing as they led stunning fire safety displays and demonstrations, one of which gave visitors an insight into an explosive chip pan fire.

There was also a retained recruitment stand giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about becoming a retained firefighter

Darren Langdown, Watch Manager of Weymouth Fire Station said: “The fire service is inviting the community into the fire station, so we can integrate into the community better, while bringing greater wellbeing and home safety messages.”

The fire service’s partner agencies were also present at the open day including Dorset Police, the RNLI and South Western Ambulance Service.

Mr Langdown added: “We’re keen to show the public how we work together collaboratively.”

The open day marked Mr Langdown’s last day as Watch Manager of Weymouth Fire Station. Simon Dennett, Station Manager for Weymouth and Portland said: “I would like to congratulate him and wish him all the best in his new job.”

Mr Langdown has been offered the job of station manager and will be based around Westbourne, Bournemouth.

The sun beamed down on Weymouth Fire Station for the rest of the afternoon and visitors said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Tanya Phippen said: “We decided to come because it looked like a fun day out. There’s plenty to do and see. We have been watching the teddy bear zip wire and the chip fire demonstration.”

Michelle Lee said: “It’s nice to know what the firefighters do because people don’t normally get to see that.”

Throughout the afternoon, SafeWise representatives were available to talk about their work in the community.

SafeWise delivers interactive and practical ‘skills for life’ education in realistic full-size streetscapes, one of which is based outside the fire station.

Rob Hattersley, chief executive of SafeWise said: “We want to recruit more volunteers that’s the big focus for us today.”

The charity is recruiting educational guides who will take groups of children around the SafeWise centre and go through different safety scenarios. They’re also keen to attract more general support, for example volunteers to help set up rooms.

To find out more information about SafeWise visit http://www.safewise.org/