About 300 people turned out Saturday, Oct. 3, for a Salem Fire Department open house at Station 6, giving families a close-up look at the firefighters, vehicles and equipment behind the city’s emergency response.
The event at 2740 25th St. SE, on the grounds of the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, gave visitors a chance to explore fire engines and other emergency apparatus, talk with firefighters and see department equipment up close.
For some of the youngest visitors, that included getting behind a fire hose and spraying water across the pavement with firefighters helping guide the nozzle.
The open house is part of a series designed to create opportunities for residents to interact with firefighters outside of emergencies.
“Events like this are a chance to connect with families and build relationships beyond the emergency,” Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth said. “It’s always great to welcome people into our fire station, meet their families and strengthen the connection we have with our community.”
Gerboth has led the Salem Fire Department since September 2024. The department operates 11 fire stations across Salem, including Station 6 near the airport and two stations serving West Salem.
Tracy Belle, president of the Salem Fire Foundation, said developing those relationships can be particularly valuable for children who may later encounter firefighters during an emergency.
“Building a connection now, especially for kids, can make a real difference when those same first responders are showing up to help them during what may be one of the scariest and most difficult moments for their family,” Belle said.
The Salem Fire Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the department and its personnel through fundraising, community outreach and other programs.
Saturday’s event offered residents a different setting to meet the people behind Salem’s emergency response system. Instead of encountering fire crews during a fire, medical emergency or other crisis, families could ask questions, climb aboard equipment and become more familiar with their neighborhood firefighters.
Residents will have another opportunity later this month.
The next open house is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at Salem Fire Station 11, 1970 Orchard Heights Road NW in West Salem. Families will again be able to meet firefighters, explore the station and get a closer look at Salem Fire equipment and operations.