Smiling faces peeked from inside the firehouse station, staring at the HeathNet helicopter taking off at the South Berkeley Volunteer Fire Company open house event on Saturday.
Those in attendance also enjoyed several other activities for all ages, including access to explore the fire trucks.
Chris Foreback, a board of directors member and firefighter for the South Berkeley Volunteer Fire Company, headed the committee for the company's annual open house, which had an attendance of about 200 community members.
“It’s about the kids and giving back to the community. We’re trying to get people to come out and see what we do,” he said.
Foreback explained that volunteers are essential to their operation.
“Without the volunteers, we can’t get out to serve the public,” he said.
The theme for the event was “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape” as part of National Fire Prevention Week.