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Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road) in Northbrook was busy Oct. 15 as families attended the annual open house on a blue sky 40 degree Saturday morning.

The three-hour free event began at 9 a.m. and included a Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration when firefighters used Jaws of Life tools weighing about 55 pounds each.

The Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
The Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).

Another large demonstration utilized fire. Two living room setting dioramas showed the difference an installed sprinkler system makes. Both diorama structures had furniture and curtains. The example which did not have a water sprinkler system became engulfed with rolling black smoke and flames.

The demonstration helped to instill why a water sprinkler system, especially when required in new building construction, might justify the expense and investment.

Northbrook Fire Chief Andrew Carlson explained why the open house is an education opportunity for all ages.

“The purpose is to bring awareness to fire prevention,” Carlson said. “Fire prevention is very important. Everyone needs to know how to prevent a fire, and what they can do to prevent fires.

“Fire moves so fast, and nowadays with synthetic materials,” Carlson said, “it moves even faster.

“Even a small fire, people can be out of their house for a year.”

Among attendees viewing the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration were Lily Kingsbury, 3, of Northbrook and her mother Chauncey Kingsbury.

Lily wore a firefighter costume.

Through the view of an automobile, center, Lily Kingsbury, 3, of Northbrook and her mother Chauncey Kingsbury, view the Jaws of Life extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Through the view of an automobile, center, Lily Kingsbury, 3, of Northbrook and her mother Chauncey Kingsbury, view the Jaws of Life extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).

“She’s just so excited to see all the firefighters and what they do every single day,” Chauncey Kingsbury said about Lily.

“We want to thank them for keeping us safe,” Lily’s mother said to first responders.

Cece LeMire, 16 months, also viewed the extrication with her mother Jamie LeMire.

Cece’s mother hoped the toddler would learn, “a little bit about fire safety, she’s so little, but to recognize the firemen and the fire trucks and like . . . those are guys that are going to help us.

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Jamie LeMire of Northbrook holds daughter Cece LeMire, 16 months, while viewing the Jaws of Life extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Jamie LeMire of Northbrook holds daughter Cece LeMire, 16 months, while viewing the Jaws of Life extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).

“She’s having a great time,” Jamie LeMire added about Cece.

Jason and Laura Shiffman of Northbrook attended with their children Jack, 1, and Henry, 4, and viewed the interior of an ambulance, among other activities.

“I think this event is very cool in order to raise awareness about fire safety and I think it is a good opportunity for us to talk to our boys about fire safety,” Laura Shiffman said.

“I would love to thank the fire responders.”

The open house was timed with National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”

Visit https://www.nfpa.org for fire safety tips.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.

Here are more photos from the open house:

Viewing the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration are the Chang siblings from Northbrook, from right to left, Margaret, 7, a second-grader and Adaline, 5, a kindergartner. Imags from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Viewing the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration are the Chang siblings from Northbrook, from right to left, Margaret, 7, a second-grader and Adaline, 5, a kindergartner. Imags from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Far left, among attendees viewing the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration is Lily Kingsbury, 3, of Northbrook. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Far left, among attendees viewing the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration is Lily Kingsbury, 3, of Northbrook. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy of Morton Grove makes an appearance. Therapy dog Bear, 4, a male golden retriever, is handled by Sandi Hensley, a volunteer from the Chicago neighborhood of Irving Woods/Dunning. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy of Morton Grove makes an appearance. Therapy dog Bear, 4, a male golden retriever, is handled by Sandi Hensley, a volunteer from the Chicago neighborhood of Irving Woods/Dunning. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
While exiting the back of the ambulance with his family, and making sure his fire hat is secure is Henry Shiffman, 4, of Northbrook. Henry's brother is Jack, 1, and their parents are Jason and Laura Shiffman. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
While exiting the back of the ambulance with his family, and making sure his fire hat is secure is Henry Shiffman, 4, of Northbrook. Henry’s brother is Jack, 1, and their parents are Jason and Laura Shiffman. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Right, Lieutenant Matt Vanderweel explains the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).
Right, Lieutenant Matt Vanderweel explains the Jaws of Life auto extrication demonstration. Image from the Northbrook Fire Department Open House on Oct. 15, 2022 in Northbrook at Fire Station 10 (650 Huehl Road).