Some 700 people visited Dunmow Fire Station for the annual open day on Saturday, July 2, raising £400 for The Firefighters’ Charity.

Among the attractions were fire engines, the Ambulance Service’s HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team) and specialist incident off-road vehicles.

There was also a demonstration of the dangers of the chip pan blaze, a bouncy castle and a wooden house with painted on flames for youngsters to squirt hoses at.

As well as refreshments, toy firefighters’ helmets and tiny fire extinguishers were on sale.

Leading firefighter James Pearce said: “The day went well and the ‘house on fire’ was particularly popular.”

Dunmow Fire Station is now recruiting on call firefighters. Anyone over 18, who is fit and able can apply. They will be on-call for 90 hours a week. Just turn up at Dunmow Fire Station in Stortford Road on a Thursday evening between 7pm and 9pm for a chat or go online at www.essex-fire.gov.uk