VISITORS who attended Wangi Wangi fire station on Saturday for the statewide NSW Fire and Rescue open day got a glimpse into a real day in the life of a firefighter.
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“Visitors got to see how we respond to a call-out,” the Wangi brigade captain Glenn Swift said.
While firefighters were hosting visitors and running demonstrations of responses to mock scenarios, the station received a real-life request for assistance from ambulance paramedics.
“The ambulance needed assistance in lifting a patient who had fallen in Wangi,” Captain Swift said.
“So people at the station got to see us take one of the trucks out.”
Four of the Wangi Wangi crew attended the call-out, which took about 20 minutes. The crew then returned to resume open day activities.
“The open day was a huge success this year, and we estimate about 300 people attended,” Captain Swift said.
The station had several static displays of contemporary and older-style firefighting uniforms and equipment.
“We also delivered fire safety talks and educated visitors about what their role is in fire prevention.”
A 1927 Dennis fire truck was a popular attraction, but Captain Swift said children were particularly keen to climb into the contemporary fire trucks and activate the lights and sirens.
Visitors to the station also learned what type of fire extinguisher to use on particular fires. A free sausage sizzle and givaways of plastic fire helmets and colouring books capped a great day.