Sirens screamed with urgency and children squealed with excitement as Dartmouth Fire District 3 hosted its open house Saturday, Oct. 15 at its Cross Road station.

The day featured simulated cooking fires and house fires, free hot dogs and popcorn, a bounce house with a firefighter theme and the opportunity to climb on a fire truck and spray a fire hose.

During a simulated house fire, Fire Deputy Chief Theodore Borges explained the importance of an adequate water supply and ensuring the entire building is checked for flames once a fire is reported.

Teamwork makes a potentially life-saving difference. Firefighters enter and exit the building in teams, he explained.

To the oohs and laughs of children, firefighters sprayed hoses both on the house and in the adjacent lawn to showcase the strength of the water. Those attending applauded as the mock fire was extinguished.

The open house was a success, Deputy Chief Theodore Borges said.

The event provides an opportunity for “everybody to get together’’ and learn more about the department.

The youngsters in attendance were fired up.

Aibhlin Bissonnette, 6, said she likes seeing the water tower, which appears to stand guard next to the station.

“It’s my second time here,’’ she reported proudly.

Her sister, Reinette Bissonnette, described the station as “so beautiful.’’

Mason Howland, 4, said he hopes to become a firefighter “so I can save babies.’’

Layla Cunha-Lazaro, 7, expressed a similar sentiment. She is considering a career in firefighting because “it’s fun’’ and “you get to help people.’’

The open house is not the only activity the department sponsors to share their work with the community’s youngest residents.

Throughout October, which is Fire Prevention Month, the department brings firefighters and trucks to town schools to showcase the equipment and the importance of fire safety, Borges said.

A Halloween bash is also scheduled at the station at 140 Cross Road at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, with a parade and magic show for the costumed children to enjoy.

“It’s all about public awareness,’’ Borges said.