SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 is inviting residents to attend its community open house today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the district's station, 155 State Route 28 in Soap Lake. 

The event will feature emergency response demonstrations, fire safety education, activities for children, equipment displays and opportunities to meet firefighters, emergency medical providers and cadets. 

Fire Chief Erick Brittain said the open house is an opportunity for residents to connect with the people who serve their community before they need emergency assistance. 

"We like to meet our neighbors and our constituency before there's an emergency," Brittain said. "We want to develop that relationship with the public not only when there's an emergency, but in our downtime too, when people can come and meet our providers and our firefighters and put a face to the people that are serving them on a day-to-day basis." 

Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations of the district's battery-powered hydraulic extrication tools, learn about fire prevention and meet members of the district's cadet program. Information will also be available regarding Proposition No. 1, a replacement Emergency Medical Services levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. 

Food will be provided by Jimmy's Hot Dogs. The event is free and open to the public.