Fire stations in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are inviting the public to stop by on Saturday, May 11, in observance of Fire Service Day, an annual celebration that brings firefighters together with people in the communities they serve.

Jim Finn, president of the LAFD Historical Society, posed with a fully-restored 1937 American LaFrance Triple Combination fire truck that is on display in the LAFD Museum in Hollywood, which will be open for tours during Fire Service Day on May 11. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Some fire stations are holding open houses, special events, tours and demonstrations, while others are focusing on education, safety and fire prevention. Families are encouraged to bring children, as photo ops with fire trucks and other equipment are a big part of the festivities.

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Fire Service Day celebrations are being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at stations throughout the city. One of the biggest events will be at Fire Station 27 and the neighboring Los Angeles Fire Department Museum at the corner of Cahuenga Boulevard and De Longpre Avenue in Hollywood. The museum is holding a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 8:30 a.m. to noon benefitting the LAFD Historical Society, and visitors can view a collection of meticulously restored historic firefighting apparatus used by the department. The museum also houses a multitude of firefighting-related artifacts, including an assemblage of 250 helmets used around the world, hand-built models of fire trucks and apparatus, and models of current and historic fire stations throughout Los Angeles.

“They’ll see vintage firefighting apparatus from the 1880s up until the 1970s. There’s badges and different fire service memorabilia and artwork related to fire service. There are quite a few different things to see,” said Jim Finn, president of the LAFD Historical Society. “I often say we are the biggest secret in Hollywood.”

The museum is housed in a 1930 building that formerly served as Fire Station 27, and the department’s memorial to fallen firefighters is located in the courtyard. It is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free, but Finn encouraged people to visit on Fire Service Day so they can also enjoy all the other festivities.

“We welcome people to come over and see what we have to offer,” he added.

Next door at LAFD’s operational Fire Station 27, personnel will greet the community and lead guided tours of the facility. A highlight will be firefighters demonstrating the “jaws of life,” hydraulic tools used to cut apart vehicles and extract victims injured in collisions. People can also obtain information about joining the department. The station is located at 1327 N. Cole Ave.

“Come down and learn about your local fire station, what we do and the services we provide, and how we help the community,” Fire Station 27 Capt. Peter Hsiao said. “It appeals to folks of all ages. It’s going to be very family-oriented.”

In the Miracle Mile and Wilshire areas, people are encouraged to visit Fire Station 61, located at 5821 W. Third St., and Fire Station 29, at 4029 W. Wilshire Blvd. Both facilities will offer tours and photo ops with fire trucks and personnel. The stations will also showcase gardens recently installed by the First-In Fire Foundation, a local booster club for the department. To accommodate the Jewish community, Fire Station 61 is celebrating Fire Service Day on both Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We open our doors to people from the community,” said Capt. Robert Wedlock, of Fire Station 61. “They can tour the station. There will be a lot of photo ops. It’s a lot of fun.”

“It’s fun for the kids to come in an see the rigs, and we provide education,” added Fire Station 29 Capt. Matthew Sanchez. “For the older kids, we teach them preparedness, to stop, drop and roll (in case clothing is on fire) and things like that. We open our doors and all are welcome.”

In the Hollywood Hills, LAFD’s Fire Station 99 at 14145 Mulholland Drive hosts an annual Fire Service Day celebration that is more extravagant than events at many other stations, said Capt. Paul Steele. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the festivities which include photo ops and tours, and other attractions based on the area’s mountainous topography. A presentation on native animals will be held and people can learn about brush clearance requirements and other special considerations in hillside communities. Children can meet Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, and enjoy face painting, giveaways and fun activities. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is participating and an LAFD helicopter flyover is scheduled. Free hot dogs will be served.

“It’s a little different because we are in the mountains and because of brush fires, we stress awareness and being prepared,” Steele said. “There is a lot of interaction and community stuff, a lot of vendors and photos ops. We’ve been doing it for 20 years. We are in the Hollywood Hills, but we get people from as far away as Sylmar and Santa Monica.”

The Beverly Hills Fire Department will also welcome the public on Fire Service Day, May 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its headquarters, 445 N. Rexford Drive. Enjoy demonstrations, fire engine rides, displays and a special visit with Sparky the Fire Dog. People are encouraged to learn about the many special programs offered in Beverly Hills, said BHFD Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal David Perusse.

“We will have demonstrations, fire engine rides, free hot dogs and drinks,” he added. “Information will be available for fire prevention in your home or business, Community Emergency Response Teams, Stop the Bleed, CPR and firewise in the wildland urban interface (involving the use of fire-resistant landscaping).”

In West Hollywood, which is served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, personnel will welcome the public on May 11 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fire Station 7, 864 N. San Vicente Blvd., and Fire Station 8, 7643 Santa Monica Blvd. The events are geared toward building relationships between firefighters and the public in a relaxed and informal setting

“The fire stations are open for anyone to visit,” added Capt. Ray Ortiz, of Fire Station 8. “We will show them the station and have some displays for them to [see]. We are open for anyone who wants to visit, so come by.”

For information on Fire Service Day, visit lafd.org, beverlyhills.org and fire.lacounty.gov.