Fire stations to open their doors to the public

Fire stations in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will host open houses this weekend to promote fire safety and hand out smoke detectors.

The two Fire Departments are offering tours as a reminder for residents to stay safe from flames by taking precautions like installing smoke alarms and testing their batteries at least once a month.

All six Costa Mesa fire stations will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Residents who bring a home escape plan to be reviewed by volunteers at the station can receive a free smoke detector, according to an announcement from the city.

“In a fire, seconds count,” Fire Chief Dan Stefano said in a prepared statement. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

Residents can download a template for their plan at costamesaca.gov/fireprevention.

In Newport Beach, Fire Station 7 at 20401 SW Acacia Street will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters will perform live demonstrations, give tours and showcase antique and current fire equipment. The Newport Beach Firefighters Assn. will provide a free hot dog lunch.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck