Fire Department Opens Its Doors Sunday

The life of a firefighter is certainly not a game, but they do have some of the best toys.

At the open house on Sunday, residents will be able to ride fire engines around town and get hoisted into the air in a basket atop a truck ladder.

The day will begin with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. at the fire station at 104 W. Washington St. The breakfast costs $5 (tickets sold at the door), but the rest of the event is free.

In addition to the fire truck rides, there will be a scuba diver in a tank whom visitors can speak to via underwater microphone.

Firefighters also will perform a demonstration of how they respond to a car crash, using the Jaws of Life to open the vehicle and extract the patients - who will be played by junior explorers on staff.

"There’s a lot of pride in all fire departments and it’s always nice to showcase what we actually do," Deputy Chief Grant Smith said.

There will also be plenty of lessons about fire prevention, Smith said, with handouts and talks from firefighters.

The event is part of National Fire Prevention Week. An initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the week is meant to encourage families to learn about how to prevent and prepare for a home fire -- including testing smoke detectors and practicing an escape plan.

About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In about 20 percent of these cases, the batteries were dead.

Also according to the association, less than 25 percent of American families surveyed had planned and practiced a fire escape plan.

For more safety information, visit the National Fire Protection Association's website.

The Saukville Fire Department is also having an as part of the week.

Port Washington Open House information:

• When: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday
• Where: Port Washington Fire Department, 104 W. Washington St.
• Cost: Free, with optional pancake breakfast for $5