South King Fire and Rescue hosted their annual open house on May 8.

This free public event allows the department to connect with community members and provide a closer look into the emergency operations, said Lt. Brad Chaney, public information officer for SKFR.

Interactive demonstration stations included SKFR’s swift water rescue, technical rescue and the hazardous materials teams. Firefighters also showcased auto extrication demonstrations.

Attendees had a chance to try on firefighter gear, spray a fire hose, climb aboard firetrucks, and more.

Federal Way Police Department and Lakehaven Water and Sewer District also joined the event.

South King’s open house event generally brings in about 800 people, Chaney said.

“The average 911 caller, we only get to see and interact with once and it’s a very specific focus,” Chaney said. “This gives us a chance to really open up the doors for the fire service and let the public know that ‘Hey, we’re not just EMS calls, we’re not just fires or car accidents. We have a wide variety of skill sets and great people here.’”

To see more from the event, view the SKFR Open House video on the Federal Way Mirror’s YouTube.

SKFR firefighters perform a vehicle extrication demonstration on May 8. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

A young attendee watches the vehicle extrication demonstration from his shoulder-top view. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Sparky the Fire Dog makes rounds at the SKFR Open House, greeting kids and giving hugs. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Trevor Finneseth assists kids with spraying the fire hose at the SKFR Open House. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Hundreds of community members, families, and kids attended the SKFR Open House on May 8. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Firefighter Ted Gentry interacts with kids in the crowd during the SKFR Hazardous Materials demonstration. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Kids watch the SKFR hazmat team demonstration. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

A kid saves a member of the SKFR Swift Water Rescue team. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

A member of South King Fire’s technical rescue team tosses teddy bears to the crowd below at the SKFR Open House. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo