IT'S all about the fire engine - it's the star attraction for most kids at any fire station.

They love to jump into the driver's seat and pretend to drive, use the radio and sneak in the horn, siren and flashing lights.

Newcastle Fire & Rescue station officer Martin Savage said any fire station visit was all about the fire engine - the pumper.

On Fire Station Open Day on May 30, kids can look through its cabin and see the equipment on the truck.

The pumper is standard across all stations, however, at Newcastle, there are also a couple of specialised vehicles - heavy rescue, ladder platform (aerial) and urban search and rescue - that can be viewed.

Mr Savage said the ladder platform with the ladder up and spinning was a spectacle due to its height and action.

While these vehicles are the drawcard, the open day is held to impart winter fire safety messages to children and parents as more than 60 per cent of house fires are between May and September.

He said the most important message was ring Triple Zero (000) in an emergency - and have ready for the operator the address, cross street and/or landmark, if possible.

■ Fire Station Open Day, May 30, 10am to 2pm; go to fire.nsw.gov.au to see if your local fire station is open.