CROWDS flocked to Hereford's fire station today (August 31) as the city's firefighters opened their doors for a hugely popular annual event.

(Image: Hereford Times)

The Hereford Fire Station open day, which was this year held at the St Owen Street station and the adjoining Central Avenue Park, promised something for everyone.

Fire engines setting off from the station with passengersFire engines setting off from the station with passengers (Image: Hereford Times)

Among the attractions were fire engine rides, the chance to try your hand at using a fire hose, and plenty more.

(Image: Hereford Times)

A range of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's vehicles, including the aerial ladder platform and the water rescue boat were on display for all to see, while firefighters carried out impressive demonstrations of their work to large crowds. 

Crowds gathered to watch the chip pan fire demonstrationCrowds gathered to watch the chip pan fire demonstration (Image: Hereford Times)

These included a demonstration of a chip pan fire, which drew gasps from the crowd as firefighters showed the dangers of putting water on hot oil.

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Outside the station's yard, on Central Avenue Park, firefighters were joined by a range of other charitable and non-charitable rescue and emergency organisations, with a range of inflatables also providing a bit of fun for younger visitors.

Severn Freewheelers provide the vital blood bike serviceSevern Freewheelers provide the vital blood bike service (Image: Hereford Times)

These included Severn Freewheelers, whose blood bikes save lives by offering a free, out-of-hours charity service delivering blood, human tissue and other essential medical items between NHS facilities in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, North Wiltshire including Swindon, and Worcestershire.

Community First Responders at the open day eventCommunity First Responders at the open day event (Image: Hereford Times)

West Midlands Ambulance Service's community first responders, volunteers who respond to emergency 999 calls within their local community, were also at the event to talk to visitors, while St John's Ambulance volunteers showed off emergency first aid techniques, including CPR.

A steady stream of aspiring young police officers jumped at the chance to sit in a police carA steady stream of aspiring young police officers jumped at the chance to sit in a police car (Image: Hereford Times)

West Mercia Police's car and van proved popular with younger visitors wanting to see inside a real police vehicle, while Territorial Army representatives also showed their support for the event.

(Image: Hereford Times)

And the fire service's community volunteers were on hand to share information both about their role, engaging with vulnerable members of the community, supporting safe and well checks, assisting with public safety events, fire safety talks and education and more, and to spread the word on free home fire safety visits for the vulnerable such as the elderly, people living alone and those with reduced mobility. 

Fire Service volunteers were on hand to share important safety informationFire Service volunteers were on hand to share important safety information (Image: Hereford Times)

These visits, which Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service says are tailored to individual needs, include a home safety check to help reduce the risk of fire in the home, including the checking and fitting of smoke alarms where required. This includes alarms suitable for those with a hearing impairment and giving advice on a fire escape plan.

The event was held in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports current and former members of the firefighting community by providing a broad range of services supporting health and wellbeing.