By Lookout Staff

May 1, 2025 -- Community members can get a close-up look at the workings of Santa Monica's largest and busiest fire station during Fire Service Day on Saturday, May 10.

The Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) will open the doors of Fire Station 1 at 1337 7th Street Downtown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fire officials announced Thursday.

Santa Monica Fire Department ladder truck (Courtesy SMFD)

"Fire service day is a unique opportunity to meet local firefighters and learn about what they do through a hands-on learning experience," officials said.

The free open house activities for families include tours with firefighters of the City's newest fire station, a two-story facility spanning more than 28,000 square feet.

The station, which features 20 dormitories is able to remain operational after a major disaster.

Guests can also explore its fire engine and trucks that will be on display, including the department’s largest piece of equipment, the SMFD ladder truck.

Specifically designed for Downtown's "dense urban environment," the truck has a ladder that measures 100 feet in length and two different steering wheels for the front and back tires, officials said when it was unveiled in 2019.

Guest also can learn hands-only CPR (without rescue breaths) and meet and greet Roger, SMFD’s new K-9 peer support dog that is a member a newly launched team to combat stress and support mental health ("Fire Department Launches Program to Fight Stress," April 7, 2025).

Fire Station 1 serves the downtown core and is Santa Monica’s most active station, with 9,635 calls for service last year, Fire officials said.