The Folsom Fire Department was buzzing with activity late Saturday morning, but it wasn’t the typical work like cleaning trucks or conducting training sessions. It was all about family fun, fire safety awareness, and hearty helpings of pancakes consumed by the community at the event that drew a steady crowd all morning long.
Each year during October, the Folsom Fire Department invites the community to Station 35 on Glenn Drive for its annual open house and pancake breakfast. The event is free to attend, and for a $7 donation, attendees were served generous portions of homemade pancakes, eggs, and sausage—prepared by the firefighters themselves. For families, the breakfast was a great deal, with kids 2 years and under eating for free.
Fluffy pancake flipping wasn’t the only thing happening. Inside and outside the station, a variety of activities kept attendees engaged. Visitors had the chance to tour the station and explore the different work areas used by the department.
Outside, participants climbed aboard fire trucks, rescue boats, and other equipment. Firefighters demonstrated simulated rescue efforts on vehicles, explaining how they use specialized tools and techniques to save accident victims. After explaining each step, the firefighters performed some of the techniques for the crowd to watch.
Behind the station, fire education displays added an interactive element. Firefighters and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers shared fire safety tips, taught children how to use extinguishers, and provided practical advice to help families prepare for emergencies at home. The activities were both educational and fun for attendees of all ages.
Clinton Howard was one of the many visitors, attending with his 9-year-old son, David. Howard said David has loved fire trucks ever since he could walk and talk, often expressing his dream of driving one “when he grows up.” The event was the perfect inspiration for children with such ambitions.
“It’s great they put events like this together so we can meet the people who help us when we need it. It’s also a great inspiration for children,” Howard said. “I don’t know if he’ll follow this dream when he grows up, but if he does, I know he’ll remember these visits. This event takes a lot of work to organize, and we really appreciate that effort on top of everything else our firefighters do.”
The activities weren’t limited to two-legged heroes. Visitors also met Blaze, the energetic labradoodle who has become a well-known figure at the station. Blaze came to the department through Hearts 4 Heroes USA, a local charity, and has made headlines for his role in providing emotional support to firefighters and staff as they face challenging situations in their daily work.
Proceeds and donations from the day’s event will support public fire prevention education programs.
