Community safety officer for the New England area, Renee Dell, said brigade stations at Guyra, Armidale, Uralla and Walcha would open their doors on Saturday, enabling members of the public to meet volunteers and gain some insight into brigade life.

“It’s a great chance for families to bring the kids along to look inside the big red trucks and see the flashing lights. Children will also be able to try on some of the protective clothing volunteers wear and have a closer look at some of the equipment we use when fighting fires,” Ms Dell said.

The open day will also be a chance for visitors to learn some valuable skills, including how to protect themselves and their families in the event of a bush or grass fire.

“Our members are a part of their local communities and would love some visitors,” she said. 

This year’s open day marks the start of the annual Bushfire Awareness Week, which is designed to teach people about the risks posed by bush and grass fires and the best ways to stay safe. 

RFS station open days:

Walcha Station, Fitzroy St, 10am to 2pm; Diggings – Rocky River, Rocky River Rd, 11am to 1pm; Diggings – Invergowrie, Bilga Rd, 3pm to 5pm; Hillgrove RFS, Hillgrove Recreation Reserve, 9am to 2pm; Tingha RFS, Ruby St, 10am to 2pm. Tamworth City at Bunnings Warehouse, cnr of Lockheed St and Jewry St, 9am - 3pm, Saturday September 22. Kingswood 9:30-1pm Saturday 22 September Kingswood Store, Spains Lane, Kingswood.