SANDPOINT — On Oct. 11, local firefighters will welcome the community for an afternoon of education, outreach, and interactive fun. 

Sandpoint Fire is hosting an open house at its main station this Friday in recognition of fire prevention month. In addition to offering a chance to meet new firefighters on the staff, the event will feature a kids firefighter combat course and several educational modules. 

“Our kids combat course is kind of a simulator of our physical agility test that we have to do,” said firefighter Tennille Toussaint. 

Kids can also hone their skills by going through the fire prevention trailer — a station designed to help youth practice calling 911 and finding hazards in a mock kitchen. 

“We're going to light some things on fire, and they can kind of see some of the temperatures that they can get to and demonstrate our thermal imaging camera,” Toussaint said of the safety demonstrations that will also take place at the open house. 

Idaho Department of Lands staff will provide information about preventing wildland fires and mannequins will be available for hands-only CPR practice. 

Ultimately, Sandpoint Fire hopes the lessons learned by attendees are brought home to lessen the risk of accidents going forward. 

“We find that the kids go home and talk to their parents about these things,” Toussaint said of the event. “Do you have smoke detectors in your home? Do they work?” 

While accidental fires will always be possible, mitigating risk is critical; prevention is the best policy. 

“We're here if you need us, but our goal is that everyone would be safe,” said Toussaint. 

The open house will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Fire Station No. 1, 1123 Lake St.