MIDDLEWICH Fire Station will open its doors to FAB Festival visitors this weekend, offering valuable boat fire safety information.

Visitors will have a chance to look around the station and drill yard, where a fully restored vintage fire engine will be among a number of vehicles on display.

Firefighters will also be on hand, showing people around the current engine and explaining the use of equipment including specialist cutting tools and rescue gear.

The crew will also be raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, with a stall selling merchandise as well as iced drinks and ice cream.

Station Manager Matt Barlow said: “Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, when they do occur, they can have devastating consequences so we want to make sure both resident boat owners and visitors to the festival stay safe.

“Smoke alarms make a difference to the outcome of fires on boats so firefighters will be highlighting the importance of having these devices fitted on all vessels as part of the day.

“The Folk and Boat Festival builds on the town’s industrial heritage in which canal boats were used to move coal and other raw materials and it is estimated that 30,000 people visit the town during the festival weekend, along with 400 boats, so keeping those people safe is paramount to the Service.”

The day is open to all residents and FAB visitors between 10am and 4pm this Saturday, June 18.