Surrey Fire Service Summer Open Day Comes to Reigate
A Weekend to Meet Your Local Heroes in Reigate
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is throwing open its doors at the Surrey County Council headquarters in Reigate this Saturday for a summer celebration that combines entertainment with community engagement. The free open day offers residents across the region—whether you’re travelling from Woking, Dorking, Horsley, East Horsley, or beyond—a rare chance to step behind the scenes and discover what life looks like for the firefighters who protect our neighbourhoods.
Visitors can expect live demonstrations that showcase the skills and equipment our crews use daily, alongside interactive opportunities to meet firefighters face-to-face and learn about their training and work. Children and adults alike will find themselves captivated by the sight of gleaming fire engines up close, with crews on hand to answer questions and share their experiences. It’s the kind of hands-on experience that transforms abstract respect for emergency services into genuine human connection. Best of all, proceeds from the day support the Fire Fighters Charity, ensuring that money raised directly benefits those who’ve dedicated their careers to keeping our communities safe.
Step Back in Time at Surrey Fire Museum
The centrepiece of Saturday’s event is undoubtedly the Surrey Fire Museum, a treasure trove managed by The Fire Brigades of Surrey Preservation Trust, a charity formed in the 1980s with a singular mission: preserving the fascinating history of firefighting across our county. Walking through the museum is like journeying through centuries of courage, innovation, and service.
The collection spans everything from vintage pumps and historical uniforms to rare photographs and service medals that tell stories of extraordinary bravery. One standout piece is the long service award belonging to George Windibank, who began volunteering with Farnham Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1867—remarkably, he was still serving forty years later in 1907. Before his firefighting career, Windibank was a master quill pen maker, even crafting pens for Queen Victoria herself. The museum also proudly displays a 2002 commendation recognising the heroism of Lingfield Fire Station’s team, who rescued trapped occupants during the devastating River Eden floods. These artefacts aren’t mere historical curiosities; they’re tangible reminders of sacrifice and dedication woven into Surrey’s identity.
Local Impact: Why This Matters to Our Community
The timing of this open day carries extra significance for residents, particularly those in and around Lingfield. Just this month, on 14 August, Lingfield Fire Station finally reopened following a comprehensive two-year refurbishment project that began in summer 2024. During those renovations, the station’s crews and vehicles were temporarily relocated to Oxted—a disruption that tested both the service’s logistics and the patience of local residents relying on emergency response.
This open day is a celebration of that restored capability and a chance for the community to show appreciation for the adaptability and professionalism demonstrated throughout the disruption. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what modern emergency services require: updated facilities, well-maintained equipment, and well-trained personnel. Whether you’re a homeowner in Reigate managing a kitchen renovation or bathroom refurbishment, or simply someone curious about the infrastructure supporting our safety, understanding how services like firefighting operate enriches our appreciation for community. Attendance signals to local authorities that residents value investment in emergency services. Bring your family, ask questions, and take pride in the service protecting your neighbourhood.
Source: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to hold summer open day in Reigate
