Published September 25 2014
Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14) will get off to a blazing start in Bellevue this year, with dramatic demonstrations at several fire stations on Saturday, October 4, including trailers that allow visitors to experience a room filling with smoke and witness a fire extinguished by ceiling sprinklers.
To celebrate the Fire Department's 50-year history, the firefighters union has acquired one of the city's first fire trucks. "Ms. Belle," a 1957 Maxim in need of restoration, will be on display at Station 3.
As usual during the national awareness week kickoff, all nine of Bellevue's fire stations will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so residents can meet the firefighters who protect their neighborhoods. During the week, firefighters will visit schools and do readings at libraries.
The following stations will feature refreshments and special activities to inform and entertain adults and children:
- Station 1 -- 766 Bellevue Way SE (Downtown/West Bellevue);
- Station 2 -- 2802 148th Ave. SE (Eastgate/Lake Hills/W. Lake Sammamish);
- Station 3 -- 16100 NE Eighth St. (Crossroads/Northeast Bellevue);
- Station 4 -- 4216 Factoria Blvd. SE
- Station 5 -- 9621 NE 24th St. (Clyde Hill);
- Station 6 -- 1850 132nd Ave, NE
- Station 7 -- 11900 SE 8th St
- Station 8 -- 5701 Lakemont Blvd. SE (Eastgate/Cougar Mountain); and
- Station 9 -- 12412 Newcastle Way (Newcastle/Newport Hills).
Stove-top fire road show
Firefighters and Fire Prevention officers will be providing a real stove-top fire display at Stations 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9.
Child safety house trailer (Station 1)
In Grays Harbor Fire District 5's Child Safety Trailer, built in 2006, children learn about kitchen and home fire safety and awareness. Children can sit inside and experience a room filled with non-toxic smoke (smoke machines use peanut oil).
Fire extinguisher awareness
Are you up for the challenge of putting out a "fire?" Each of our station stations will have several fire extinguishers available for both the adults and children to handle. No need for gear; these fires are of the painted-wood variety.
Residential sprinkler demonstration (Station 3)
The State Fire Marshal's Office will demonstrate the effectiveness of home sprinkler systems and how these systems save lives in the event of a fire.
Try on firefighter gear
Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to wear the helmet and coat and other "bunker" gear firefighters wear when battling a blaze? The six stations with displays will have several sets of real bunker gear for you and your children to try on. Bring a camera!