TOPEKA, Kan. -- The Topeka Fire Department is excited to announce its 2012 Open House Events on Saturday October 6, 2012 at the Fire Academy 324 SE Jefferson St.

This year’s open house will begin at 12 p.m. with an opening ceremony and the dedication of the new Topeka Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Open house activities will run 1-4 p.m. The entire community is invited to attend this free, informative event. In a City of Topeka Fire Department press release, Michael Martin wrote, "This will be a wonderful opportunity for the Citizens of Topeka to meet your Topeka Fire Department up close and personal."

Topeka Fire Department personnel will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate skills. Children and adults are encouraged to attend. There will be opportunities to have photos taken in firefighting gear, participate in fire extinguisher demonstrations, and even spray water from a fire hose.

Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available free of charge, provided by the International Association of Firefighters, local 83.

Martin says the department "will be showing off some of our newest equipment as well as antique apparatus from years gone by. We will have specialty equipment from our Hazardous Material Response Team and Technical Rescue Units."

Public Education officers and Fire Inspectors will be on hand to demonstrate fire safety tips and assist in home evacuation plans.

Fire Investigators will be available to answer questions and “Boomer,” the Department's Accelerant Detection canine, will demonstrate his skills. Sign up to have a free smoke detector installed in your residence, by actual Topeka Fire Fighters, or get your residential burning permit for this fall-winter season.

"Come join us for an afternoon of fun and education, while seeing some of the things that make Topeka a great place to live," Martin said.