Bend Fire Department holds popular open house

The Bend Fire Department celebrated National Fire Prevention Week on Saturday by giving the public a behind-the-scenes look of one of its fire stations.

The city’s north station held an open house, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.

There were tours, ice cream, fire operations demonstrations–and new this year–free CPR classes and blood pressure checks.

Hundreds of families attended the event.

Fire officials said they wanted to educate people about fire safety and the other services firefighters provide, and remind the public just because wildfire season is winding down, it doesn’t mean there’s not a risk for fire.

“Although wildfire is not an issue outside, it’s now (an issue) inside the home, with the holidays coming, to keep homes safe from heating (related) fires,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Susie Maniscalco.

Maniscalco said about 20 employees with the fire department volunteered their time for the open house.