Want a chance to climb the 75-foot fire truck ladder, cut open cars and hose down flames?
The Campbell River Fire Department invites everyone to its annual open house event.
“Last year’s open house was very well attended, with hundreds of people showing up and trying different activities. Cameras were clicking constantly for four hours,” says Fire Chief Ian Baikie. “This year, we’d like even more people to get a chance to see how we respond to emergencies and to learn about fire safety and prevention.”
During the open house, fire crews will demonstrate how they rescue people trapped in crashed cars, and how they prepare to hose down a house fire.
The fire trucks will be open for people to view, with firefighters available to explain how the equipment works.
People will also have hands-on opportunities to try firefighting and emergency-response skills like climbing the fire truck ladder, using a fire hose and fire extinguisher and cutting vehicle parts with hydraulic tools. For people who’ve worked up an appetite, a barbecue will also be part of the event. Proceeds will support Cameryn’s Cause, a non-profit society in Campbell River that provides financial assistance to local families with sick and injured children.
The open house will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 at the No. 1 Fire Station, located at 13th Ave. and Dogwood St.