While children enjoyed the hands-on aspect of looking at the fire engine and shooting targets with the fire hose, parents soaked-up valuable information surrounding safety in the home. 

Station Commander for Wellington, Mark Moroney, said the day was good value. 

“The reason why we target it is to get the message across of fire safety in the home, that’s the big message; to have your fire alarms set, your escape plan drawn up and practiced, and how to prevent fires in the home,” he said.

Moroney said now is the perfect time to share the message.

“It is a fact that 50 per cent of all fires in homes occur within the kitchen and we see a 10 per cent increase in those fires coming into the cooler months,” he said.

“This is the perfect time of year for us to get this message across, it’s an awareness for the younger children as well.”