Lewes Fire Department holds open house

Kids got to climb on fire trucks, experience what firefighters see in a burning building and use a hose to fight a pretend fire.

Those activities were all part of the Lewes Fire Department’s fifth annual open house. The event was held at Station 2 on Janice Road Oct. 17.

“We open our doors up to everybody so people can come and see what we’re doing,” said firefighter Robbie Stephens, one of the organizers. “This is your money – you’re sponsoring us – so you should have an opportunity to see our equipment.”

Paramedics showed off one of the department’s six ambulances. Volunteers from Beebe Healthcare demonstrated CPR. Sparky the fire dog mingled with families to help kids learn about fire prevention.

Officers from the Lewes Police Department were also there to show off their vehicles and gear.

The Lewes Fire Department is an independent, nonprofit organization, not part of the City of Lewes government. It relies on donations and grants to meet its $4 million annual budget.

The department recently launched a fundraising campaign aimed at corporate sponsors.

For more information, go to lewesfire.com.