Portsmouth Fire Department to Open its Doors to Public Oct. 19

Ever want to take an up-close look at the Portsmouth Fire Department’s array of fire trucks, ambulances, boats and equipment?

Here’s your chance.

The Portsmouth Fire Department is inviting the public for a tour of their facility on East Main Road on Sunday, Oct. 19 from noon to 2 p.m.

The open house is ideal for small children, adolescents, young adults interested in a career in firefighting as well as any resident who wants to know more about the people who work to keep Portsmouth’s residents safe day and night.

According to a fire department release, firefighters will be on hand to answer questions about the day-to-day operations of the department, and the department’s response to emergency calls. Fire prevention education will be available, and kids will be provided with fire safety coloring books.

Visitors can take a tour of the Town’s Emergency Operations Center, located upstairs in the station. The Town of Portsmouth’s EMA Director will be on hand to answer questions about the EOC and its functions during a large scale emergency such as a hurricane. Children can look through the trucks and have an opportunity to use a real fire hose. Light food will also be provided and there is no cost.

Portsmouth firefighters have two 2011 E1 pumpers at their disposal along with a 95-foot tower ladder, which is a remarkable apparatus that gives firefighters the ability to attack a blaze from high up in the sky.

They also operate three ambulances and two boats.