Wheaton families can tour fire trucks, watch a live vehicle extrication demonstration and meet Sparky the Firedog at the Wheaton Fire Department Open House on Sept. 26.
The free, all-ages event runs 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 38, 1 Fapp Circle, located behind Target near County Farm Road and Roosevelt Road. The City of Wheaton announced the open house on Friday, Aug. 28.
Firefighters will perform a vehicle extrication demonstration, showing how crews cut into a car to free a trapped occupant, Patch reported. Kids are encouraged to bring their stuffed animals for an interactive checkup led by the department's emergency medical technicians. Fire trucks and other equipment will be open for children to climb on and explore.
The department's headquarters station hosts the event. Fire Chief Robert Brill leads a force of 35 full-time firefighters and 19 full-time contracted paramedics who respond to roughly 6,700 service calls a year across the city's three stations. About 4,000 of those calls involve emergency medical services, according to the department's website.
The open house wraps up just as another free family event begins across town. The Wheaton Block Party starts at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., and runs until 2 p.m., as we reported Aug. 29.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–noon: Wheaton Fire Department Open House, Fire Station 38, 1 Fapp Circle. Free.
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Wheaton Block Party, Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. Free.
