The doors of Bishop's Stortford Fire Station were opened to the public on Saturday 4 July for an annual open day that combined demonstrations, family activities and practical safety advice.
Hands-on demonstrations and community engagement
Visitors were offered an up-close view of how local firefighters work, with a packed schedule that included engine tours, a simulated traffic-collision exercise, a hot-oil fire demonstration and a confined-space search and rescue display. The event also included advice on fire safety and the opportunity for residents to meet station crew in an informal setting.
For younger attendees, fairground rides added a community-festival feel to what is primarily a public-safety initiative. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service operates similar open days at stations around the county each year so local people can learn about prevention and the role of their nearest fire station.
Volunteers feed hundreds of visitors
Support for the event’s catering came from Rapid Relief Team (RRT) Thaxted. The charity deployed 16 volunteers on the day and served 650 hot burger meals, providing a steady flow of food for families and emergency-service colleagues throughout the open day.
"The open day is one of those events that genuinely brings the community together - people get to meet the crew, see what they do, and understand the station that serves their town," said Nathan Smith, RRT Local Team Leader.
RRT, with volunteers drawn from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, has backed the Bishop's Stortford open day for two consecutive years. The charity describes its role as providing practical welfare support to emergency services and local communities.
- Date: Saturday 4 July
- Location: Bishop's Stortford Fire Station
- Catering: RRT Thaxted — 16 volunteers, 650 meals served
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| RRT volunteers | 16 |
| Meals served | 650 |
| Years RRT supported event | 2 |
Open days such as this aim to strengthen ties between residents and the services that protect them, while offering practical demonstrations that can reduce the risk of incidents at home. For those who missed the Bishop's Stortford date, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service continues to host similar events across the county throughout the year.
If you plan to attend a future open day, check the service’s website or local station social feeds for dates and advice on parking, accessibility and activities on offer.
