Crime & Safety
Fire Station Open House Mixes Sizzling Fun and Serious Safety Demos
Ladder-climbing firefighters and a rescue dog were among the highlights of Allison Avenue station event.
Dozens of families enjoyed demonstrations of firefighting skills and took part in hands-on safety stations Saturday during a four-hour open house at the Allison Avenue fire station. With the first Santa Ana winds of the season forecast, the La Mesa Fire Department—part of the Heartland Fire & Rescue agency—was one of several in San Diego County holding events to kick off Fire Prevention Week. Fire staff rappelled down a rope suspended from a ladder truck, gave toddlers a boost up to the high seat of fire engines and showed youngsters how to stay low in a smoky room. Older adults inspected engines and trucks, and rescue dogs looked for a “victim” under a wooden platform on cue. Smokey the Bear made an appearance in the event, held in conjunction with the local Firefighters Union 4759 and the Burn Institute.
