Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services to host open house
Event happening Saturday, May 7 at Fire Station 1 in Atascadero
– On Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services will be hosting an open house at Fire Station 1, located at 6005 Lewis Ave, Atascadero. This year also marks 100 years of fire service to the community since the formation of the Atascadero Fire Protection District in 1922. Community members are invited and encouraged to come to join in the Centennial Celebration.
The special event will kick-off with a flag ceremony performed by a local Boy Scout Troop followed by the National Anthem and a ceremonial flyover provided by the Estrella Warbirds Museum. Guests will then have the chance to explore the grounds to experience fun activities, educational opportunities, and interaction with first responders serving within the community. Public safety presentations are planned for every hour, starting with live fire behavior and extinguishment at 11 a.m., demonstrations by the Atascadero Police Department K-9 Unit at noon, and a fire extinguisher demonstration planned for 1 p.m. The event will finish off with Bucket Brigade Games in which volunteers will compete for bragging rights and a winning prize.
The event is free and all ages are welcome to attend. A variety of activities will be available for children, such as the interactive San Luis Obispo County Fire Chiefs’ Fire Safety House Trailer, a fire hose spray station, and a bounce house provided by Bubble Fun 101. Firehouse tours will be available and the entire Atascadero fire apparatus fleet will be on display alongside antique engines from around the county. Several other emergency service providers will also be at the event to share life-saving messages. Guests can learn about electrical safety in the PG&E Safety Trailer, Hands-Only CPR by San Luis Ambulance, and emergency preparedness from Red Cross.
The open house also coincides with National Wildfire Preparedness Day which will be the focus of Battalion Chief of Risk Reduction, Dave Van Son. “We hope to educate residents about fire-resistant landscaping, important considerations for escape routes and fire engine access, as well as what it means to Harden Your Home,” said Van Son. “We also want to raise awareness about recently implemented programs that help mitigate fire risk in our community,” Van Son further explained.
The open house is sponsored by the City of Atascadero, the non-profit Atascadero Firefighters Association, and the Atascadero Professional Firefighters Local 3600. Live music will be provided by De-ja Vu and sweets will be available for purchase from Coastal Cravings. The Atascadero Firefighters Association will provide barbecue hot dogs while supplies last. Items commemorating the 100-Year Anniversary of the Atascadero Fire Protection District will also be for sale which currently include challenge coins, t-shirts, pint glasses, and beverage tumblers.
“Our fire service members and public safety partners are excited to bring a fun-filled day to our community,” said Fire Chief Casey Bryson. “We ensure this open house will be entertaining and educational for all ages. We are looking forward to celebrating our 100-year anniversary with an event that embodies a long tradition of public education, community service, and relationship building,” said Bryson.
