Firefighters show off equipment, encourage fire prevention during open house

Eleven-year-old Hector Garcia pulled back the handle on a fire hose and blasted water into the pavement.

He said it was “a little heavy” but had no problem controlling the burst that was relatively small compared to the cannon Costa Mesa firefighters had just used to send water about six stories high at their open house Saturday.

“How can you beat that?” Costa Mesa Deputy Chief Fred Seguin chuckled at the dozen kids — and a few parents — who lined up for a chance to douse the blacktop at the Placentia Avenue station.

Each year, to mark fire the National Fire Prevention Assn.’s fire prevention week, Costa Mesa opens up all of its fire houses to the public for tours and demonstrations.

Neighbors are encouraged to brush up on fire safety by putting together an evacuation plan and picking up free smoke detectors.

They also get to see the firefighters and equipment that would likely show up if they ever called 911.

“What better place and better avenue to see the fire house and what serves your needs,” Seguin said.

And firefighters get the chance to show off equipment they don’t necessarily get to use on a day-to-day basis.

The last time Capt. Darren de Fluiter got to whip out the engine-top cannon he’d just let loose was at a brush fire where it quickly doused a field of small blazes that had just broken out.

“I’m in awe of that thing,” he said.

The Newport Beach Fire Department also hosts an open house Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a free hot dog lunch to go with tours and demos at Newport Beach Fire Station 7, 20401 SW Acacia St.