Open House at the Fire Dept.

Earlier this summer Mom, Alyce, and I took a trip to the fire department that covers our house.  The fire dept. has an open house every summer to show us the tax payer what exactly we are paying for.  The firemen giving the tours were very informative leaving me thinking our tax dollars were being put to good use.

The most noticeable items on display at the open house were the firetrucks.  At first Alyce was reluctant to climb up in them but after I did it first she was quick to follow.  Sitting in a firetruck is a cool experience.  For as big as a firetruck is there isn't a lot of places to sit.  The reason for the shortage of space is to make room for the engine, water pumps, and water storage.  Each firetruck carries 1250 gallons of water and the pumps are able capable of pumping 500 gallons of water per minute.  Doing the math a firetruck has about 2.5 minutes of water at full blast before the firemen need to look for a hydrant.

After the firetrucks Alyce got to put out some fires of her own.  The firemen mounted 4 water (silver can) fire extinguishers on a base and then hooked them up to a water hose.  They then let the kids loose to shoot water at the buildings.  At first I had to keep the handle pressed for Alyce while she directed the water, but after a bit she was able to manage both.
After playing with the water we sat down to some hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, and cookies.  The firemen gave Alyce a firemen's hat that was a big hit.  Alyce took another shot with the fire extinguishers and climbed up in the firetrucks again before we left for home.