SAUGUS — Spraying a fire hose at a wooden fire target was one of the several activities available for children and families at the Saugus Fire Department’s open house.
Several children, including 9-year-old Isabella Cotton, were all smiles waiting for their chance to take control of the hose, helped by firefighter Steve Seracuse.
After learning to how to use the hose, another guest, 6-year-old Vinson Liebl and his family headed to the SAFE fire education smokehouse to learn about fire safety with firefighter Billy Cross.
“You’re around fire all the time without even realizing it,” Cross reminded the group of families in the smoke house, citing everyday objects such as stoves, candles, and campfires.
The smokehouse was built to look like a real home with a kitchen and bedroom. During the lesson inside the room filled with fake smoke meant to simulate an actual fire.
Cross taught the kids to stay low to the ground and feel the doors to the outside to make sure they weren’t hot before opening them.
“No one thinks that a fire is going to happen inside his or her home,” the 23-year firefighter said. “This simulation gets them thinking and encourages them to plan for danger and prepare their family.”
Several firefighters, including Chris Piscitelli, were also nearby, showing visitors the department’s engine and ladder trucks and showing them some of the equipment they wear during fires, like a breathing apparatus.
“Sometimes kids can be afraid of a firefighter in full gear,” Piscitelli said, explaining why it is important for kids to check out the gear so they may not be afraid if a firefighter ever came to their rescue.
Captain Richard Porter agreed. “[Someone in full gear] can be intimidating. It’s good for the kids to come out here and see.”
During the day, families could also snap a picture with costumed character Sparky the Fire Dog, grab a couple free slices of pizza from Papa Gino’s, and build their own miniature firehouse bank courtesy of Home Depot.
“It’s great to be able to bring the community in on such a beautiful day,” Porter said.
