For the 24th year, the crew at East Pierce Fire and Rescue will welcome the public.

An open house has been planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at East Pierce headquarters on Veterans Memorial Drive in Bonney Lake.

The free, family-friendly event will include hands-on activities, health and safety information, and firefighter skills demonstrations.

Among the day’s highlights will be Jaws of Life demonstrations, a “junior firefighter” challenge and an interactive rope rescue. There will be a children’s fire safety house, a train safety simulator and demonstrations by K-9 units. Additionally, guests will be able to meet Sparky, Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog and enjoy the sounds of the Pierce County Firefighters pipes and drum corps. Other agencies taking part will be the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, a HazMat team and water rescue team.

To keep kids safe, bicycle helmets ($7) and multi-sport helmets ($10) will be sold, along with life jackets ($14) and photo identification cards ($10). To keep everyone healthy, flu shots will be available for $25.

Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to park at the Sound Transit Park-n-Ride lot (state Route 410 and 184th Ave. E.) and ride a free shuttle to the East Pierce building.