Robbinsdale firefighter open house set for Aug. 10

Saturday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a Robbinsdale Firefighter Open House at 4101 Hubbard Ave. N., Robbinsdale.

Firefighter Jesse Hoekstra told the Sun Post there will be a variety of demonstrations including auto extrications in which firefighters will cut apart junk cars and talk about what they do.

“When somebody’s in that situation, they’re stuck in their car ... we’re cutting metal around them and it’s loud and obnoxious and scary,” Hoekstra said. “If maybe they’ve seen a little bit of what we’re doing, they’re maybe more comfortable when we’re doing that and it’s less traumatizing and bad.”

There will also be controlled room burns and kitchen fires using donated furniture.

Lots of other organizations were invited to do demonstrations as well such as the Robbinsdale Police Department, the Hennepin Dive Team and North Memorial Air Care.

The open house is also a chance to get together with the community and get to know the people who work in public safety. Children can climb into fire trucks for photos. The Robbinsdale Lions will sell food. Snacks will be available.

“People have a tendency to only ever see us on bad days,” Hoekstra said. “This is a chance to see emergency responders on a good day.

“We’re there to help ... It’s more than just, ‘put out the fire.’ If you get a fire in your house, stuff is going to get damaged, stuff that matters, stuff that’s important. And if you’re there ... tap somebody on the shoulder and say ‘Hey, you know family photo album is in the bedroom on the right side. Can somebody get that out of there?’ Probably we can ... We’re there to try and make a really bad day for you better. And if we can do something small like that, all the guys would be more than happy to.”

The event is hosted by the Robbinsdale Relief Association. All are welcome.