Safety Fest at the Fire Department Administration and Training facility had plenty for all that attended today — literally — as many received a new professionally-installed car seat, a bicycle helmet, or numerous other items. Besides being able to tour fire engines and other emergency vehicles, view safety demonstrations, and check numerous booths, there were plenty of firemen and emergency workers on hand to answer questions and give safety tips.

Reporting for duty, sir!   This serious-looking young recruit was suitably attired for Safety Fest activities. Don't worry — he had plenty of opportunities to eat popcorn and rehydrate between his official duties.

This unlucky "window washer," in the white helmet, needed to be rescued from the side of this building and, thanks to the rappelling crew from Station 8, was saved from certain doom.   The glassless building is actually the fire tower used for training. Six stories high, it has sections that can simulate a kitchen fire, an office fire, roof fire, loading-dock fire, balcony rescues, and many other scenarios.   A steel platform extending over the top edge on the SH-66 side can be used to duplicate conditions a fireman would experience working from a helicopter, such as a water rescue.

This Nissan Xterra looks like it was destroyed by fire. Actually, it has been completely engulfed in flames many times.   It is used to train firefighters to fight vehicle fires. Note the gas lines running to the underside. One fireman said that when the gas jets are ignited, there is a concussion that can be felt inside the nearby Administration building. Wonder who has to hold the match?