SANDPOINT — October is Fire Prevention Month, which provides an opportunity for fire personnel to get out in their communities and spread the word about the importance of fire prevention. 

As such, Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS crews spend the month visiting the schools and hosting station tours.

"Selkirk Fire probably sees about 1,000 kids in the month of October," said Clint Frank, Selkirk engineer. "A lot of our message is the same — make sure you have a working smoke alarm, know two ways out of every room, have a meeting place that you've talked about in advance."

Working smoke alarms are always an emphasis, because they do make a difference, Frank said. Many of the fires that Selkirk crews have responded to where the outcome has "not been good," he said, is usually due to the fact that the home did not have a working smoke alarm or the batteries are dead.

In the department's eighth year of being involved with the school's, Frank said by the time they see the kids in third or fourth grade, they can almost do the presentation for them after hearing it since kindergarten.

"So it's kind of neat to see, over the years, the kids actually getting the message and bringing it home," Frank said.

Also during the month of October, Selkirk hosts its annual open house, which is coming up Saturday. The event features food and activities, as well as free smoke alarms and fire prevention materials.

"The open house is an opportunity for the public to come down and meet their local emergency crews, get a free smoke alarm, get station tours," Frank said. "... It's really just a fun event for kids and families."

Among the activities is a "live search room" where fake smoke and a thermal energy camera will be used to give kids a feel for being in a smoke-filled structure — the fake smoke is produced by a smoke machine and is not hazardous. The kids will be taught how to stay low and find an exit in a smoky environment under the guidance of a firefighter, Frank said. There will also be a quick-draw competition, where the children and adults can spray water from the fire hose.

Because the weather looks to be clear on Saturday, community members will be able to take a ride in the 1946 Seagrave convertible fire engine — the original Engine 1 for the department.

"People can bundle up and enjoy the fall colors, and this weekend looks perfect for it," Frank said.

Free barbecue food will be provided throughout the event as well.

Through a joint powers agreement, Selkirk Fire serves the Sandpoint, Sagle and Westside communities. The open house will be held at Station 1 in Sandpoint, 1123 Lake Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.