Annual fire department Open House Saturday

The Birmingham Fire Department will host its annual Open House on Saturday, October 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fire Station 1 at 572 S. Adams Road.

The public is invited to join firefighters at this family-friendly interactive event, which coincides with Fire Prevention Week each year. There will be lots of activities for all ages while attendees learn about fire safety, participate in interactive demonstrations, win raffle prizes and enjoy firehouse chili, hot dogs and other refreshments.

Face painters, fire safety displays, Sparky the Fire Dog and goodie bags are on tap during the Open House event. Popular demonstrations will include a vehicle extrication with an airbag deployment, a detailed emergency medical scenario showcasing the department’s Advanced Life Support skills, and the technical rescue team will demonstrate how they repel down the training tower walls.

“We continue to offer a variety of interactive activities so we can mix in light-hearted fun while teaching critical lifesaving skills,” said Birmingham Fire Chief Paul Wells. “The dunk tank is back this year by popular demand. Attendees will have an opportunity to try their arm at a softball toss to dunk a firefighter, with all donations benefiting the Great Lakes Burn Camp.”

Those attending this event will also have an opportunity to don firefighter gear and operate a fire hose – a great photo opportunity for everyone. The department’s famous firehouse chili is on the menu, in addition to hot dogs and other refreshments.

The community will have an up-close look at emergency vehicles and see the city’s first water pumping fire truck from 1924. A Birmingham Police vehicle, drone and officer will be on site to display equipment and answer public safety questions. The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad with their robots will be in attendance as well.