Those curious about the subject can test and expand their fire knowledge Saturday at the Palouse Discovery Science Center.
The daylong Fire Fighter Science event explores the science of all things fire, from how it starts, to how it ends and best practices for safe actions to take in between. The event is designed to help kids not to be afraid when it comes to house fires and to provide hands-on education for all ages on best practices when it comes to fire safety, said Victoria Scalise, executive director.
For example, Scalise said, many people have a fire extinguisher in their home but don’t know how to use it, especially during an emergency situation. That’s why the event offers a fire extinguisher demonstration that allows people to practice using a fire extinguisher until they’re comfortable with it.
Besides training like this, the day will include a number of interactive activities and experiments, including an opportunity to get an up-close look at ladder trucks, emergency medical technician equipment and an ambulance. Additionally, Life Flight is scheduled to make a short stop in a nearby cul-de-sac.
Other activities include an evacuation trailer that is used as a training tool to show people what it’s like to be in a smoke-filled room and how best to get out. An obstacle course is set up where kids can dress like a firefighter and put out a “fire” and rescue a “person.” Interactive booths will allow attendees to explore various aspects of fire science, including a station that educates people on how to prepare should they someday find themselves in a fire.
“This event is interesting to a wide variety of people,” said Tiffany Sheeley, education director, who reported a high turnout to last year’s event.
While the event is largely focused on city fires with the Pullman Fire Department, information about wildland fires will also be featured.
Another aspect of the event is giving the community an opportunity to thank firefighters, both those who work in the urban areas as well as on wildland fires. Attendees can offer verbal appreciation as well as monetary donations.
If you go WHAT: Fire Fighter Science WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Palouse Discovery Science Center, 950 N.E. Nelson Court in Pullman COST: Members and first 100 visitors are free; $7.50/adults, $5/children ages 2-15, $6/seniors 55+.
