The first open day has been held at the new £4.8 million Chatham fire station.

Visitors saw vintage and modern fire engines and demonstrations of car rescues and how to tackle chip pan fires.

The was also facepainting and other children’s activities.

Fire safety information was on offer. Younger visitors could have their photograph taken behind the wheel of a fire engine and had the opportunity to put out pretend fires using the hoses.

Chatham watch manager Jim Ramsden said: “Most people think fire won’t happen to them. Sadly it can and with devastating consequences.

“Saturday’s event was about sharing advice in a fun way, to help keep our local community safe.

“We explained the importance of having working smoke alarms and an escape plan
that all members of the family know.

“It was a fantastic day and a real pleasure to welcome so many people from our community.

“Our job is as much about preventing incidents happening in the first place, keeping people safe and being there when they need us.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who came along and helped raise funds for the victims of the Grenfell Towers fire and the Firefighters Charity.

“Also to our partner agencies – Kent Police, the Coastguard, Guide Dogs, Kent Firefighting Museum and Red Zebra, who all helped ensure the day was a success.”