Firefighters hosting annual open house on Saturday
(Photo by MARY MALONE) Head down to Fire Station 1 in Sandpoint this Saturday to meet the local firefighters, grab a free smoke detector, enjoy family-friendly activities and a barbecue. The open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1123 Lake St.
SANDPOINT — National Fire Prevention Month is observed every October to bring awareness and education in fire prevention and safety.
It also provides a chance for local firefighters to invite community members over to the local fire station and enjoy some family-friendly activities and a barbecue, free of cost, during Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS’s annual open house event.
"It is basically a time for people to come and meet their firefighters, get to know us and see some of the stuff we do," said Selkirk Battalion Chief Kevin Amorebieta.
During the open house, community members of all ages can take a ride on the fire engine, pick up some fire prevention and safety tips and meet the crew. There will be a quick-draw competition, where the children and adults get to spray water from the hose. In a “live search room,” fake smoke and a thermal energy camera will be used to give children a feel for being in a smoke-filled structure — the fake smoke is produced by a smoke machine and is not hazardous. Junior firefighter gear will be available for the kids to try out as well.
There will be fire extinguisher demonstrations, sponsored by Oxarc, Inc., which is providing the fire extinguishers. The firefighters will also hand out free smoke alarms to residents.
"Smoke detectors do save lives," Amorebieta said. "We’ve been on several fires this year where the smoke detectors allowed the occupants to get out safely, so it’s super important."
As long as the supplies last, smoke alarms are available year-round at the station to those who need them. Amorebieta said they are typically limited to one per person.
Amorebieta said people are encouraged to change their smoke detector batteries twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall, when the clocks change for Daylight Saving Time. This fall, Daylight Saving Time is set to end Nov. 5.
The open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Fire Station 1, 1123 Lake St. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and meet the firefighters who serve the community.
Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.