Birmingham's Fire Station 1 opens its doors Saturday, Oct. 10, for the fire department's annual open house. Hands-on demos, station tours and free firehouse chili run from 1 to 4 p.m. at 572 S. Adams Road.

The event gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at the equipment and people who respond to emergencies in the city. Kids can operate a fire hose, try on a fire coat and watch firefighters demonstrate how to extinguish a kitchen grease fire, according to the city's event page.

Crews will also run an EMS and vehicle extrication simulation with air bag deployments. HAZMAT apparatus will be on display alongside the city's historic 1924 water pumping fire truck, Birmingham's first.

The Oakland County Dive Team plans to bring equipment. A Birmingham police officer will be on site with a patrol vehicle to answer questions.

"We look forward to opening our doors and inviting the community in to meet our firefighters and learn more about the work we do," Fire Chief Matt Bartalino said, according to The Oakland Press in an Oct. 5 preview of the event. Bartalino called the open house "a great opportunity for residents and families to see our equipment, ask questions, learn about fire safety and get to know the members of their fire department."

Beyond the demos, the open house includes face painting, hot dogs, free popcorn and other refreshments. Free chili and popcorn are confirmed by Oakland County Times. A charitable gift basket raffle will benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp, according to the Oakland Press. A raffle offers fire safety equipment for the home.

Residents can also drop off used household and lithium batteries at the event. The Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority (SOCRRA) will handle collection, according to the Oakland Press.

The open house falls during Fire Prevention Week, observed each year during the second week of October in memory of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The week runs Oct. 4–10 this year.

For event details, residents can call 248-530-1906, the contact number listed by the city.