Youths and their families can experience the adrenaline rush of firefighting April 28 at South King Fire and Rescue’s annual Fire Station Night.
Fire Station Night introduces youngsters to the field of firefighting and encourages safety measures. The event runs 5 to 8 p.m. at SKFR headquarters, 31617 1st Ave. S. It will feature a handful of awe-inspiring demonstrations from firefighters.
The event originated as an attempt to accommodate scouts, who often contact the fire district as part of a merit badge requirement. Fire Station Night has since been opened to the whole public.
“This is a great time for scouts of all ages to learn about what happens at a fire station,” said Gordie Olson, South King Fire and Rescue’s fire marshal.
The event began 14 years ago. It’s grown in popularity and size since then, SKFR spokeswoman Donna Conner said. Last year, nearly 800 people turned out.
Kids and their parents will be privy to a handful of high-energy demonstrations, held at half-hour intervals from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Firefighters will hold a simulation showing how they remove trapped victims from vehicular collisions. They will use heavy-duty tools to cut the doors off and bust open the windows of a beater car, Conner said.
“The kids love it when they pop the windows,” she said.
Firefighters will also perform a high-angle rescue demonstration. This requires the use of the fire district’s ladder truck.
Youths will have the opportunity to try their hand at escaping a simulated smoke-filled home. Burien Fire Department has a trailer that looks like the inside of a house. After watching an educational video, the trailer will fill with fake smoke and firefighters will help kids find their way to an exit.
There will be several other attractions. Attendees will see Federal Way police officers who serve on the regional SWAT team. The department’s bomb unit robot will also be on location. Seattle Fire Department’s Henny the Arson Dog will be present.
The Airlift Northwest Helicopter, a medical helicopter used to transport injured persons to the hospital, will make its first appearance at Fire Station Night, weather permitting. The helicopter will be open for viewing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Other attractions include:
• The Pierce County Pipes and Drums, a performance group of bagpipers and drummers from several fire agencies, will be there.
• Custom fit bike helmets will sell for $7.
• Parents will have the chance to submit their child’s photo and statistics for a child ID, used to identify children during emergencies.
• Emergency preparedness information will also be on hand.
• Hot dogs will be served on a first-come basis.
Conner said the goal is to offer safety tips and fun for the whole family. The district expects upwards of 500 participants to attend Fire Station Night.
“It’s just a fun family-type evening,” she said. “Come down; learn about safety.”
Learn more
Contact Donna Conner at South King Fire and Rescue at (253) 946-7246 or donna.conner@southkingfire.org for more details.
