October 9, 2002

Herald photos by Garret Leiva
 Mackenzie Mitchell, 5, of Lansing laughs as water sprays back in her face as she operates a hose line with the help of firefighter Brian Kuhr Saturday during the Traverse City fire department open house. The annual event, held at the Front Street fire station, featured fire safety demonstrations along with a junior firefighter obstacle course.



Fire station holds hot open house

Hundreds attend event featuring fire engine rides,
obstacle course and equipment demonstrations


Captain Terry Flynn explains the different types of hazardous material suits worn by firefighters. Flynn says the department uses monitoring equipment to determine what specific suit to wear in a given situation.




Above: Jared Roth, 4 1/2, of Traverse City climbs through a tunnel as he tackles the junior firefighter obstacle course.

Above right:Passengers, reflected in the chrome light of a antique LaFrance fire engine, prepare for a ride around the block accompanied by wailing sirens and flashing lights.

Right:Wearing his firefighter rain coat from home, Ryan Lints, 3, stays dry as he sprays water onto a pretend house fire. The junior firefighter obstacle course also challenged children to drag a fire hose, crawl through a tunnel and keep their balance while walking a beam.






Nathien Lake, 3, of Traverse City tries on a firefighter helmet as he poses for a picture inside a fire department vehicle.