Four McLean-area fire stations open their doors Saturday, Oct. 10, for a free open house with firefighters and fire-safety activities.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all 39 Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) stations, the department announced on X. Fire Chief John S. Butler's department invited residents to stop by their local station to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. No registration is required.

The four local stations participating are:

  • McLean, Station 1 — 1455 Laughlin Ave., McLean (703-356-6671)
  • Great Falls, Station 12 — 9916 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls (703-759-2300)
  • Tysons Corner, Station 29 — 1560 Spring Hill Road, McLean (703-893-0140)
  • Scotts Run, Station 44 — 1775 Old Meadow Lane, McLean (703-277-2661)

Stations 1 and 12 are volunteer organizations with some of the longest histories in Fairfax County firefighting. McLean's Station 1 was the county's first volunteer fire station. The first career firefighter the county ever hired, Samuel Redmond, was assigned to Station 1 when the department brought on its first 10 career members on July 1, 1949, according to FCFRD historical records. The McLean station also purchased the county's first ambulance, a 1926 LaSalle, in 1932. Great Falls Station 12 was established in the 1950s with sponsorship from the McLean and Herndon companies.

Fire Prevention Week theme

The open house caps Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4–10. This year's national theme, set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, according to FireRescue1. It is the second straight year the NFPA has centered the week on lithium-ion battery safety.

The department said visitors can expect activities and fire-safety demonstrations, though it has not published a station-by-station schedule.

What to know

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Where: All 39 FCFRD fire stations, including four with McLean or Great Falls addresses
  • Cost: Free
  • More info: FCFRD non-emergency line, 703-691-2131, or visit the department's station locator

Upcoming in McLean

  • Saturday, Oct. 10: FCFRD Open House, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., all county fire stations
  • Fairfax County tree giveaway: Free trees available to McLean residents through the county's fall planting program