LIVERMORE FALLS – Many children arrived with their parents Wednesday to check out fire equipment at the Fire Station in a very hands-on experience.

The youngsters were able to hold a fire hose and attempt to spray water at a target, put on gear, sit in a fire engine and check out control panels of the pumps.

The Fire Department’s annual open house was a chance for firefighters to provide information on fire safety during Fire Prevention Week.

After young Devon and Andrew Darling, both of Livermore, finished spraying water on the target with help from three firefighters, Lt. Moe Chretien, Kurtis Barnett and Charles Lake, they both said it was fun.

“We’re trying to make this work,” said Capt. Ron Leclerc.

Some of the information included a fire-facts pamphlet from the National Fire Protection Association that explains how to test smoke alarms, where to install them and what type of batteries are best in the detectors.

The pamphlet also stressed the importance of every household having a home fire escape plan. That plan should include:

• Knowing two ways out of every room.

• Having a meeting place outside, in front of the home.

• Calling the fire department from outside the home using a portable, cell or a neighbor’s phone.

• Practicing the fire escape plan twice a year.

• Explaining it to overnight guests.