Today is Goonellabah Fire Station's annual open day, 2024, and you are invited to visit the station to meet some local heroes, learn about fire safety and have a peek into what it takes to fight fires. 

Chemical suit display and Marcel, 3, tries fire fighting on for size!

The firefighting team is taking this opportunity to urge the community “to be fire safe and to help protect themselves and their loved ones.” 

There are a range of activities on offer, including station tours, safety demonstrations and firefighting demonstrations. Families can see the fire trucks, firefighting and rescue equipment up close and chat with local firefighters about the simple steps they can take to be fire safe.

Climb up into the fire truck!

FRNSW Captain Aaron Klassen explains that Open Day is an opportunity for firefighters to educate the community about the importance of safety in general, especially having a working smoke alarm in the lead up to winter.

The threat is real, as Captain Klassen says, “Each year, around 20 people die in New South Wales from fires that could have been prevented, while hundreds more suffer life-changing health consequences. Each death and injury is tragic for families, friends and the wider community.

“This year we want you to prepare your homes early for winter. We see a 10% increase in the number of home fires during the cooler months, with more fires starting in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to things like heaters and electric blankets.

“Now is the time to replace your smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old. Remember only working smoke alarms save lives.” 

Captain Klassen advises firefighters will also provide advice on lithium-ion batteries at Open Day. 

“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many portable electronic devices like mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters and although these devices make our lives easier, they have the potential to put us at risk.” Captain Klassen said 

“Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales, so it is important for people to understand how to charge devices safely and what they can do if they catch fire.”

The station is open from 10am until 2pm at 13 Taylor Raod, Goonellabah, on the corner of Rous Road.

For more information, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/openday