City's fire department set for open house today

Event is part of Fire Prevention Week and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Santa Fe Springs fire department is hosting an open house this weekend at Station 4, with station tours, safety information, fire equipment on display, and more — all in time for Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association

and is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, according to the association's website.

During the week, children, adults and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

This year's Fire Prevention

Week campaign is, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention,” in an effort to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.

“Our community's safety depends on a strong partnership between our dedicated firefighters and our residents,” Mayor Juanita Martin said in a statement. “Attending events like the Open House at Station 4 not only allow us to connect with our local heroes but also provides invaluable knowledge during Fire Prevention Week. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Santa Fe Springs.”

The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Station 4, 11736 Telegraph Road. The event is free to the public.

Attendees will also be able to meet their Santa Fe Springs firefighters, see fire equipment on display, get up close to firetrucks, get station tours and free hot dogs and water, and more. Kids will get the chance to meet association mascot Sparky the Dog.

“We are excited to host an Open House for the community to come to meet their local firefighters, see the department's newest fire engines, experience a ride on the City's historical fire engine, enjoy fun activities for the kids, including a bounce house and squirting water from a fire hose, and enjoy a free hot dog,” Fire Chief Chad Van Meeteren said in a statement. “We will also have fire prevention staff handing out fire safety information.”

“Attending events like the Open House at Station 4 not only allow us to connect with our local heroes but also provides invaluable knowledge during Fire Prevention Week. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Santa Fe Springs.”