The Becker and Big Lake Fire Departments both held their annual Open Houses this past weekend on beautiful Autumn days.

Becker FD

The Becker firefighters held their open house Saturday in which they had North Memorial Air Care land an air ambulance outside the parking area of the station. They also had a bouncy house for the kids, free truck rides, food and drinks and lots of other activities and demonstrations throughout the day.

In one area just outside the building, firefighters took turns to allow children the chance to squeeze the trigger of a fire hose to simulate putting out a fire. At the air ambulance, kids and parents got to get a close-up view of the cockpit of the chopper and even take a seat inside the whirlybird. A few fire trucks were also on hand to allow kids and adults to climb in, learn about the equipment the firefighters use and understand the buttons, gauges and switches that aid the firefighters when they are on scene or en route.

Sparky the Dalmatian made the rounds visiting with kids and giving out balloons. In one area, a pile of firefighter gear was available for try on by adults and children.

In an open bay of the station, the firefighters spent some time demonstrating the rescue efforts in bringing a person out of a building or burning structure. The firefighters used a dummy in the demonstration which featured ropes and harnesses.

Big Lake FD

Lots of firefighters and volunteers served up food and drink and handed out important flyers and informational sheets during their open house Sunday in Big Lake.

They also had activities and games and booths featuring the Big Lake PD, CenterPoint Energy, Health Source Chiropractic and many more.

Truck rides are always very popular as kids and their parents got to ride in the big red rigs. A 1936 vintage red Chevy Fire Truck was also on display for kids to climb upon and pretend to drive.

Ambulance crews were on hand to give tours of their special rigs and answer questions of the curious guests. The shooting of the fire hose was also a busy spot Sunday as kids got a first hand experience of using a real fire hose to direct water on structures.

Bouncy castles were outside the station on the lawn and kept the little ones entertained and everyone got a close-up view of a state trooper helicopter and Life Link ambulance as they landed in the grassy areas of the fire department.

All-in-all, the days were full of exploration and fun for all families of Central Minnesota.