Bedfordshire fire crews raise more than £1,100 for charity

Visitors queue up to ride in a mini fire engine at Bedford Fire Station open day 9 August 2025
Visitors queue up to ride in a mini fire engine at Bedford Fire Station open day on 9 August 2025. Image: BFRS

Fire crews in Bedford and Dunstable raised more than £1,150 for the firefighters’ charity during a weekend of fundraising events.

On Saturday, 9 August, Bedford Fire Station held an open day featuring firefighting activities, fire engine tours and safety demonstrations using the Vision VR vehicle.

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Fire cadets also sold hanging baskets made from old helmets, contributing to a total of more than £950 raised on the day.

The following day, Dunstable’s green watch took part in the town’s first soapbox derby.

Their entry, which included water bombs, backpack sprayers and a firefighter dressed as flames, won first prize for best performance.

Donations collected at the event helped the team surpass their £200 target.

Josh Matthews, Fire Fighters Charity Coordinator for Bedfordshire said, “the events were a way for the public to see a different side of local crews while raising money for a good cause.”

Further fire station open days are planned across the county over the summer.

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