A total 19 stations across Humberside joined in the fire service's first national charity car wash, and more than £4,500 was raised in aid of the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund (FSNBF). Local firefighters taking part were based at Scunthorpe, Crowle, Winterton and Barton-upon-Humber.
The hose and suds drill at Scunthorpe fire station on Laneham Street lasted from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.
Station officer Mick Holder said motorists were invited to make a minimum donation of £3 to the charity - but many drivers gave a fiver-plus.
Mr Holder explained the FSNBF provided a range of services which preserved the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.
The fund offers services such as therapy and rehabilitation facilities, recuperative care and sheltered housing, in addition to recently introducing much-needed child and family therapy programmes.
Mr Holder said the fund had three sites within the UK to provide these support services, and had recently begun a £2.5-million fundraising campaign to build a new therapy centre in Devon.
This state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2005.
The station officer said ongoing fundraising was essential in order to maintain funds.
Firefighters and their families at Crowle fire station were on car wash duty from 10am until 2pm.
Spokesman Peter Hibbard said it had proved to be a highly successful exercise, with a total 37 cars and even one pedal-cycle going through the wash,"All road users were made welcome," he pointed out.
Mr Hibbard said the total amount raised in donations was a tremendous £189.70.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who contributed to this event, including local business people who kindly donated buckets and car shampoo," he added.