Palatine fire department plans open house

The Palatine Fire Department is gearing up to host its annual open house, a family-friendly and interactive event featuring tours, refreshments and rescue equipment on display.

It takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Station 84, 220 W. Illinois Ave.

The department consists of 95 sworn personnel who respond to 7,200 requests for fire and emergency medical service calls each year.

In addition to fire and rescue vehicles, the department's dive rescue, hazardous materials, technical rescue and bike medic teams will all put their equipment on display.

Fire extinguisher training, vehicle extrication demonstrations and tours will take place throughout the day. Mr. Wizard will put on a fire behavior demonstration at 11 a.m., followed by a sprinkler room demonstration at noon.

Representatives will also be on hand from local hospitals, the Palatine Police Department and the Palatine Emergency Management Agency. The Palatine Fire Department Public Education Trailer will be present throughout the day.