The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District opened its doors to the community on the last Saturday of May, hosting an engaging open house event at Station 61 on Walnut Ave. Families from the area gathered to explore the inner workings of their local fire department and enjoy a day filled with activities.

Children were thrilled to participate in hands-on experiences, such as spraying water from a firehouse hose and trying on authentic fire gear. The event also featured an obstacle course and a large bounce house, providing entertainment for all ages.

Newly appointed Fire Chief Dan Stefano likened the open house to a concert, describing it as a ‘backstage pass’ for the community to see the various aspects of the fire department’s daily operations. This event offered a unique opportunity for residents to connect with their local firefighters and learn more about the essential services they provide.

Gail Kvistad, a volunteer with the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation, expressed excitement about the new leadership and encouraged attendees to support the foundation. The foundation plays a vital role in supporting firefighters and community programs, and Kvistad invited community members to get involved and contribute to these efforts.

For those interested in learning more about the foundation and how to support its initiatives, additional information is available on their website.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.