These facts and many more will be on hand, straight from the horse’s mouth, this Saturday when Fire and Rescue NSW           stations in the Upper Hunter host their annual Open Day.

The Scone station, situated in Kingdon Street, will be open from 10am to 2pm and all are welcome to go along, meet the crew and learn about the local emergency service. 

Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen and Upper Hunter Shire mayor  Wayne Bedggood will make a special visit at 11am, and there will be a sausage sizzle, refreshments, giveaways for the children and plenty of demonstrations throughout the day. 

The Scone Fire and Rescue team currently includes 13 retained firefighters including station commander and captain Mark Frost, who said they could really do with some more recruits. 

“We are in the process of starting to recruit again, so anyone interested will be able to gain information and an application pack on Saturday,” Capt Frost said. 

“We have been finding it really hard to find new recruits, it’s going to be a real worry  in years to come, and it’s not a Scone problem it is across the board. 

“Hopefully we can combat it by getting the knowledge out there to the younger generations and encouraging them to join up,” he said. 

Capt Frost said they still get a lot of inquiries into what they do and Rural Fire Service related inquiries, so he hoped the open day would give people a bit better idea. 

“I still find it surprising, after all these years, people in town don’t know the difference between the two brigades, but a lot don’t.

“The open day is an opportunity for people to learn and see some demonstrations, such as cutting up a car with the hydraulic gear.”

Stations at Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Merriwa will also be open this Saturday from 10am to 2pm.