For many years, families in Fountain Valley have looked forward to the Fire Department’s annual open house, traditionally held on a Saturday in early October as part of Fire Prevention Week.
The Fire Department raises the big doors at either Station One on Bushard Street or Station Two on Newhope Street and invites residents to get an up-close look at all of its firefighting equipment, fire trucks and ambulances.
Kids can dress up in full firefighting turnout gear and pose for photos. The firefighters usually demonstrate how the Jaws of Life are used on a vehicle that has been involved in a crash.
Firefighters spend the day grilling hot dogs that they serve to visitors for free.
This year, however, with coronavirus restrictions still in place, the city has decided to offer what has become a popular pandemic option.
The department has planned a drive-thru open house for 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 10 at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St..
Residents are asked to drive into the park at the Brookhurst and Heil Avenue entrance and follow the signs. As you drive along to the Open House area, you will pass various fire vehicles and fire personnel will be handing out goodie bags while supplies last.
The Fire Department asks that all residents stay in their vehicles to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Incidentally, this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” Information can be found at the city’s webpage, at City Hall or by calling the city’s Fire Administration office at 714-593-4436.
Also, mark your calendars for another pandemic-related event on Oct. 24, also at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. The city’s Recreation and Community Services Department and the Fountain Valley Community Foundation will present a social distancing-safe “Monster Mash” drive-in movie night.
“Hotel Transylvania” will be shown at 6:30 p.m., followed by “Hocus Pocus” at 9:15 p.m. Cost is $20 per movie.
The gates open at 5:15 p.m. Motorists will check in, drive through the sponsor’s lane to collect some treats and then view the movie at 6:30 p.m. The gates open at 8:30 p.m. for the second feature. Motorists will follow the same routine, and the movie starts at 9:15 p.m.
Registration at fountainvalley.org/recreation. More information: 714-839-8611.