SANDPOINT — For a couple hours Friday, the Sandpoint Fire Station will transform into a site of fun and learning during the fire department’s annual open house.

Favorite activities from previous open houses are returning, including the kids’ combat course and live demonstrations for kids to learn about firefighting. Tennile Toussaint, captain with the Sandpoint Fire Department, said there will also be a fire truck open for tours and photo opportunities. 

"[Kids’ combat course] it runs kids through what our physical agility is, they can spray a fire hose, do a mock rescue,” Toussaint said of the activities. “People are curious about the tools we have, so being able to see and touch everything, ask questions about it has been a big draw over the years.” 

In addition to the live demonstrations and kids' activities, everyone will be able to spend time and meet with the Sandpoint firefighters. Toussaint said the event is a favorite of the firefighters as well because it allows them to connect with the community.  

"This is a favorite event for me in general just because we bring the community into our house,” Toussiant said. “They get a glimpse of where we live, what we do, they can talk and meet with all the firefighters to ask questions in a setting that isn’t an emergency.” 

Attendees will be able to sign up for smoke detector checks in their homes and learn more about the department’s free rental of chimney cleaning supplies. Throughout the event, there will also be mini workshops to help attendees practice CPR. 

The Sandpoint FD will be joined by the Idaho Department of Lands at the event. Like last year, the IDL will be bringing along Smokey Bear to help teach kids about wildfire prevention and provide a chance for them to meet him. 

The event has been held annually in October for more than 20 years to celebrate Fire Prevention Month. While the open house is the largest event Sandpoint FD puts on to celebrate the month, it’s far from the only activity. 

The department has partnered with the Lake Pend Oreille School District for numerous activities in and out of the classroom, educating students and educators on fire safety.   

“It’s really important to get the message out about fire prevention and life safety to these kids,” Sandpoint Fire Chief Gavin Gilcrease said the Sept. 17 City Council meeting. “We only get them through the sixth grade, after that we don’t get to talk to them anymore unless they come by or there’s a special event.” 

Last year, the fire department moved the event from its long-standing Saturday date to Friday afternoon to better align with the LPOSD’s early release day. Toussiant said that last year’s event was one of the biggest open houses ever, due in large part to the change. 

"I just want to encourage everyone to come out for the afternoon,” Toussiant said. “A lot of people came to the fire station right after they got out of school last year... so hopefully it’ll draw a lot more people again.” 

The open house event begins at 2 p.m. at the Sandpoint Fire station and lasts three hours until 5 p.m.

    A Sandpoint firefighter held a child use a firehose at last year's open house event.