Building Bridges Through Open Doors
When we say “community,” we don’t just mean the houses we drive by on the way to a call. We’re talking about the people behind those doors—the families, the small business owners, the kids waving as we pass by in the truck. That’s why our station open houses and guided tours aren’t just nice-to-have events. They’re essential parts of how we stay connected. They’re about showing folks what we do, why we do it, and letting them know we’re more than sirens and smoke—we’re neighbors, too.
Every year, Arlington Fire opens its doors to anyone curious enough to step inside. And we mean *everyone*. We’ve had wide-eyed kids dreaming of becoming firefighters, seniors reminiscing about their time in service, and newcomers to the neighborhood who just want to say hi and learn how it all works. For us, it’s a time to pause the chaos for a minute and just share what we love about this job.
We don’t just want people to see the gear—we want them to see the people behind it. The heart behind the helmet. That’s what builds trust.— Kevin “Kev” James, Senior Firefighter
More Than a Tour: What Visitors Really Experience
We get it—a fire station tour might sound like a walkthrough of trucks and hoses. And sure, there’s plenty of that. But what visitors often walk away with is a whole lot more than they expected. The moment someone steps into the bay and sees those gleaming engines up close, there’s usually a moment of awe. Kids want to climb inside. Adults start asking questions. And the stories start flowing.
Here’s what usually happens during a full tour:
- A walk-through of our engine bay, where visitors see the equipment used for everything from structure fires to water rescues.
- A chance to sit inside a fire engine or ambulance (with a firefighter guiding the experience).
- Demonstrations of our turnout gear—helmets, SCBA, hoses—and how we gear up in seconds flat.
- Fire safety demos tailored for kids and adults alike, covering everything from smoke detectors to escape planning.
- Q&A sessions where no question is off-limits—about emergencies, our training, or even how we cook meals at the station.
And all of this happens while visitors get to know the people behind the uniform. That’s the real secret to these tours: the human connection. By the end of the visit, kids are high-fiving crew members, and parents are asking how they can support the department or get involved in safety programs.
Letting a kid pull the horn on the fire engine might seem small—but it’s the kind of moment that sticks with them forever. That spark of curiosity can become a lifelong drive to serve.— Emily “Em” Wilson, Training Coordinator
It’s Personal: Why These Events Matter
There’s something powerful about looking a firefighter in the eye, shaking their hand, and knowing they’ll show up at your door in a crisis. These open houses and tours help build that connection long before a call ever comes in. They turn “those firefighters” into “our firefighters.” That shift is everything.
We’ve had families come through our doors after a recent house fire—still shaken, still figuring out their next steps. They show up because they want to say thank you. We’ve seen kids whose lives were changed because of a CPR demo at an open house. We’ve even had a few recruits tell us it all started with one tour when they were eight years old.
Events like these also give us the chance to reach people who might not seek out safety information otherwise. We hand out smoke alarms, explain what a fire extinguisher is really good for (and what it’s not), and demonstrate how fast fire can spread in a room. When people leave with that knowledge, they’re safer—and they’re part of our extended team.
Every open house is a chance to save a life before the emergency ever happens. That’s the kind of prevention we’re proud of.— Emily “Em” Wilson
Keeping It Fun, Keeping It Real
Let’s be honest—fire stations are just cool places. We embrace that. From photo booths with bunker gear to hands-on extinguisher training, we make our events fun without ever losing sight of the mission. It’s a delicate balance: entertain, educate, and inspire. We host fire hose spray demos where kids get to “put out” a mock fire. There are obstacle courses that simulate firefighter training. And of course, there’s always a cookout or two—we are serious about our grill game.
We’ve also worked to make our tours more inclusive. We offer sensory-friendly hours for kids on the autism spectrum. We provide materials in multiple languages, and we partner with local groups to make sure no one feels left out. Because the firehouse is for everyone.
We had a kid visit with his speech therapist, and he was nonverbal. But when he put on that little helmet and climbed into the engine, his face lit up. That moment spoke volumes.— Firefighter Michelle Reyes, Station 3
Forging Future Firefighters and Safer Citizens
There’s another side to these events that doesn’t always get talked about—but it matters. When young people come to a fire station and meet someone who looks like them wearing the badge, it plants a seed. Representation matters. Visibility matters. And firehouse tours are often where that first spark is lit.
We use open houses to recruit for our junior firefighter programs, our summer camps, and even civilian volunteer opportunities. We invite high schoolers to come talk with our training team, to learn what it really takes to be on the line. And we show them that no matter their background, there’s a place for them in fire service if they want it.
It’s not just about finding future firefighters—it’s also about creating smarter, more prepared citizens. The more people understand how we respond, what we need from them in an emergency, and how to stay safe, the better our entire community becomes.
The Real Impact: Stories That Stay With Us
We could throw stats at you—number of visitors, smoke alarms handed out, hours volunteered. But the truth is, the impact of these events is best measured in moments. Like the father who learned how to do CPR at a tour and used it weeks later to help his elderly neighbor. Or the teenager who shadowed our paramedics for a day and decided to pursue EMT certification. Or the grandmother who walked in skeptical and left with a fire extinguisher, three smoke alarms, and a whole new appreciation for what we do.
These are real outcomes. And they matter just as much as the emergency calls we answer. Because when our community understands us, trusts us, and feels like part of the team—that’s when we’re at our best.
The calls we run are intense, but the conversations we have at these events? They’re what keep us grounded.— Kevin “Kev” James
Looking Ahead: Stronger Together
Open houses and station tours aren’t just something we check off a calendar. They’re living proof that we’re committed to transparency, outreach, and building real relationships. And as we move forward, we’re only expanding our efforts—partnering with local schools, hosting pop-up events in neighborhoods, and bringing fire education directly into community centers.
We’re here to protect, but also to connect. If you haven’t been to one of our events, we’d love to see you. Bring the kids. Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. You’ll leave with a smile—and maybe a plastic fire hat or two.
Check out upcoming events and sign up for a tour here: Arlington Fire Community Services
Want to see what these events look like? Browse through recent images and highlights here:
The Heart Behind the Helmet
At the end of the day, the gear comes off, the trucks are parked, and the station grows quiet. But the impressions left behind from a single tour, a handshake, or a shared laugh with a firefighter can echo long after the doors close. That’s why we keep doing it. That’s why we open our doors—not just to show what we do, but to show who we are.
