SANDPOINT — The bounce house, topped by a giant inflatable fire dog, was filled with laughter and giggles.

And the rescue of an oversized green dinosaur stuffie was among the most popular stations.

But the purpose behind Friday's open house was safety, spreading the message of how residents can stay safe, Sandpoint Fire Chief Gavin Gilcrease said.

Sandpoint Fire hosts the annual event in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, typically held during the first week in October. It's a way to showcase the different things firefighters do and teach residents basic safety tips, Gilcrease said.

Among the activities included at the annual event are the obstacle course challenge, where local youngsters can try their hand at firefighting skills; a CPR demonstration; a rope rescue station; a tour of a fire engine; and several others, including the building-tall bounce house borrowed from South Boundary Fire District.

In addition to the open house, the department visits local schools and invites classes and groups to visit the fire station.

"We want people to be as safe as they can," Gilcrease said. "Go back to the basics about making sure your smoke detectors are working, have an exit plan to get out of the house or the school that you know you are going to be in."

Hearing the kids laugh and seeing the dozens of families make their way through the various stations is always a lot of fun, Gilcrease said. Some he recognized from past visits, and others have told him it was their first visit.

It's been fun watching local youngsters take part in the combat challenge or try their hand at putting out a "fire" with the help of one of the department's firefighters.

Gilcrease said residents are welcome to call the fire station to arrange a tour for their class or family, or if they need a firefighter to check their smoke detectors or to install them if they aren't able to do so themselves.

"We're more than happy to help people out," the fire chief said. "If this (helping people) isn't what we're here to do, why are we here?"

The department's efforts to spread a message of safety and fire prevention are ongoing throughout the year, Gilcrease said. Whether it is residents who live in the Sandpoint area year-round or folks who are visiting the community on vacation, the department's crew continues to promote safety as it works to prevent fires.

"It's not just fire prevention and safety," he said. "It's home safety and things like that. We're just going to keep trying to get that message out there and keep it in the front of their minds."

Among the fire safety tips suggested by the department are checking to make sure that smoke detectors work and that their batteries are replaced twice a year. Another important safety tip is to make sure chimneys are properly swept on a regular basis. This can be done professionally or by homeowners. Selkirk Fire has chimney sweepers available for rent for anyone who needs them, a city official said.

Also, department officials remind residents that combustible items should be kept three feet away from heat sources like space heaters or hot tools, and dryer vents should be properly connected and cleaned of debris.

In working out a fire exit plan, department officials recommend identifying at least two exits and holding regular practices on leaving a home in emergencies. If there is heat at the door and leaving a room is impossible, occupants should sit against a wall where it will be easiest for firefighters to spot them. If occupants hear sirens, they should immediately go to the nearest window to let firefighters know where they are.

Much of the fire safety the department teaches is common sense, officials said previously, but it can be easy to forget or become complacent, so regular reminders are important.

The theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week is "Charge into Fire Safety," which emphasizes reviewing everyday charging habits to look for ways to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

Sandpoint Fire is located at 1123 Lake St. in Sandpoint. The department can be reached by phone at 208-263-3502 or online at sandpointidaho.gov/fire.

    Alexander Overstreet carries a large stuffed dinosaur as he races through the Sandpoint Fire's Station 1 after rescuing the oversized stuffie. The event was one of several activities featured at Friday's open house, where children had the chance to try hands-on firefighting activities.
  

    A youngster pulls a firehose through the station as part of a hands-on activity during the Sandpoint Fire Department open house.
  

    Sandpoint Fire Capt. Tenille Toussaint demonstrates how to perform CPR during Friday's open house event.