District No. 3 firefighters moved a wrecked car behind the garage at 140 Cross Road and started cutting it apart in the morning downpour.

The jaws of life — used to free victims from a car wreckage — was only one demonstration at the three-hour open house on October 22. Firefighters also set up a firetruck-shaped bouncy house; let children climb in and out of firetrucks; and provided pizza for the 100 guests.

"It was a pretty good turnout considering the weather," said Deputy Chief Ted Borges, explaining that one of the favorite exhibits is a cooking fire demo. Firefighters add water to a grease fire, growing the flames high enough that they would've hit the ceiling if the demonstration had been inside.

Seven-year-old Mason Forsblom had a different favorite, however.

"My favorite part was probably squirting [the hose]," he said. Mom Jennifer brought Forsblom, four-year-old Cameron, and two-year-old Brooklyn to the station because of Forsblom's interest, making the most of a rainy day.

Mom Erica Albernaz had a similar idea. "It's really nice that they're doing this... the pizza, the food," she said, watching her three-year-old Joseph hug Sparky the dog.

The visitors aren't the only ones enjoying themselves at the event.

"They go back and forth between between the water and the bouncy house," laughed Borges, motioning back and forth between outside and inside demonstrations.

District No. 3 will be hosting another free event on October 31. The Halloween Bash will feature a parade and magic show at the station, starting at 6 p.m.