18th Annual East Pierce Fire and Rescue Open House

Bonney Lake – East Pierce Fire and Rescue will host its 18th annual Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 1 at the East Pierce headquarters station at 18421 Old Buckley Highway in Bonney Lake. The free health and safety fair will include more than a dozen booths featuring representatives from East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Department of Natural Resources, the Bonney Lake Police and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and others.

The annual Open House is an opportunity to showcase programs and services provided by East Pierce Fire and Rescue, including demonstrations by the fire department’s special operations teams such as HazMat, Wildland, Technical Rescue and the Water Rescue.

Parents and children can test their fire safety knowledge, watch demonstrations of various rescue equipment and purchase and be fitted for life jackets and bike helmets. Live demonstrations are scheduled throughout the event featuring the use of Jaws of Life.

“The highlight every year for most kids is the chance to play firefighter,” East Pierce Lieutenant Eric McLeroy said. Younger children suit up in pint-size firefighter gear to put out a “fire” and perform a “rescue.” Older children are offered a more challenging course, shooting water from a hose at a target and performing a “rescue”.

Free parking is available at the Pierce Transit Park and Ride at 184th Avenue East, off state Route 410 East. A dedicated shuttle will run to and from the East Pierce headquarters station during the event.