Release date: 4 November 2025
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s open days have been a resounding success this summer, raising almost £23,000 for charity.
Residents were invited to attend six free events held in Worthing, Crawley, Bognor Regis, East Grinstead, Shoreham, and Chichester. The events featured live demonstrations, tours of the fire station and fire engines, fire safety advice, and family-friendly activities.
The highlight of the season was Chichester’s first-ever Emergency Services and Community Day held at Oaklands Park, which alone generated £12,000. These funds will support a range of charities including RNLI, Age UK, My Sister’s House, Stonepillow, and local rotary clubs, with £3,500 dedicated to the Fire Fighters Charity.
Worthing Fire Station’s open day, held alongside the Broadwater Carnival, also proved hugely popular, raising £8,000. Donations will benefit Chanctonbury Community Playscheme, Seaside Hospital Radio, West Sussex Mind, and the Fire Fighters Charity.
Events held at Crawley, Bognor Regis, East Grinstead, and Shoreham fire stations collectively raised almost £3,000.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Piller said: “We love hosting open days and welcoming the community into our fire stations. It’s a great opportunity to engage with the public and show them what we do, as well as sharing important fire safety advice.
“I would like to congratulate our crews who were involved in organising these events. A lot of work went into making them accessible and inclusive, so it was great to see so many families enjoying the demonstrations and activities on offer.
“It was fantastic to see crews coming together across the county to support this important fundraising work. We are proud to be able to give back to the Fire Fighters Charity which does so much for our teams and their families. Thank you to everyone who came along to support and generously donated.”
The Fire Fighters Charity provides a lifetime of support to all UK fire and rescue service staff and their families including physical rehabilitation, nursing, mental health and wellbeing support, respite breaks, and retirement advice.