Safety showcase at fire station (From Stroud News and Journal)

Safety showcase at fire station

THE band played and the sun shone as hundreds of people of all ages turned out for an action-packed afternoon at Stroud Fire Station open day on Sunday.

Throughout the afternoon fire-fighters showcased their skills during a range of demonstrations that took place around the site, including a rope rescue and a mock road traffic accident rescue.

Activities such as soak the fire-fighter and spot the danger made for an entertaining, yet educational afternoon.

Jack Ogden, 12, from Quedgeley, described his experience in the smoke room, a tent that simulated the experience of being in a real fire. He said: "There was loads of smoke, you couldn't see anything, not even your hand in front of you."

Open day visitor Jo Allan, 35, from Stroud said: "It brings home what the service do when they are called out. I also learned how to plan an escape route, which is something I have never done before."

Station manager Andy Gillingham said: "The emphasis is on a fun day out, to give people a feeling of what we do as a service.

"I am really pleased that people took time to come down, it's the biggest year we've ever had."