Today Leigh Fire Station held an open day full of family-friendly fun, important educational information, music, games, food and drink. Every year the station located on St Helen’s Road opens its doors to the public to see what goes on behind the mysterious big red doors.

The open day was full of educational sessions for both adults and children, which I’m sure was the highlight of the kids’ day. St John’s Ambulance provided CPR sessions, and the firefighters offered safety demonstrations. There was plenty of fun and informative information available to the public. I did not try the CPR session, but it brought back memories of my days as a medical receptionist when I attended CPR courses. Despite my apprehension, it’s an important and life-saving skill!

At 12:30, there was a live training session on Falling From Heights. Firefighters donned their safety gear to demonstrate how they train to rescue individuals in danger from such situations. These live training sessions were held throughout the day, allowing people to gather and watch the firefighters in action. The session provided a glimpse into the thorough and detailed training staff undergo to prepare for all scenarios. During the demonstration, staff emphasised the crucial point of ensuring that firefighters maintain full control of the casualty during a rescue.

I managed to speak with Watch Manger Simon Cording and asked him to tell me more about the origins of the open day. He explained that people often wonder what goes on behind the “big red doors” of the fire station and noted that most people won’t see a fire truck or ambulance “until they need one.”

Mr Cording shared that during the annual Open Day, firefighters and even off-duty officers bring their families, as it may be one of the only times their families see them in uniform. The event is free, but any donations or purchases of food from the Fire and Rescue Services go directly to the Fire Services Charity. Therefore, no money raised directly benefits the station the day’s benefit mainly is for the station to engage with the local community.

The open day was a wonderful opportunity for the local community to see what goes on behind the big red doors. The day was packed with educational and entertaining sessions for kids, and it even offered a chance to take photos in a fire truck. It allowed us to witness the dedication, sacrifice, life-saving, and dangerous work these men and women do. For this, I and many others extend our heartfelt thanks!