The theme of this year's Bloomington Fire Department open house is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower." The department said the focus is teaching people to charge lithium-ion battery devices safely and cut down on fire hazards. That covers the phones, e-bikes, scooters and power tools plugged in at a lot of homes overnight. Each station will also have its own demonstrations and displays, so no 2 stops will look exactly alike.
If your kid has ever pressed their face against a window as an engine went by, Saturday is their day. The city said the yearly open house runs Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at all 6 of its fire stations, and it's open to visitors of all ages. You don't have to cross town for it.
On the city's list are live demonstrations, time to talk with firefighters and a chance to spray a fire hose, which may be the main draw for some visitors. Younger kids get coloring sheets, a photo wall and Sparky the Fire Dog. Children also go home with a free T-shirt, a bag and other giveaways. The city's event announcement has the details.
The 6 stations are Station 1 at 10 W. 95th St., Station 2 at 10601 Xerxes Ave. S., Station 3 at 2301 E. 86th St., Station 4 at 4201 W. 84th St., Station 5 at 10540 Bush Lake Road and Station 6 at 8601 Lakeview Road. The buildings range in age. Station 2 was built in 1968, Station 3 opened in 2020 and Station 4 reopened in 2023, so if you haven't been inside one lately, those 2 are good picks.
You'll also get to meet the people who work out of those stations. The city said the department has 48 full-time firefighters and 82 part-time firefighters. On top of that are full-time leaders and inspectors, including the fire chief, the assistant chiefs, 3 battalion chiefs and 5 firefighter/inspectors. Some of the part-timers may live on your block.
Questions can go to the Fire Department at 952-563-4801 or [email protected].
