SFD's 8th Annual Kids Jr Firefighter Academy

SFD's 8th Annual Kids Jr Firefighter Academy

Jamie McIntyre, SFD Community Risk Reduction Manager, (509) 435-7058

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 2:20 p.m.

The City of Spokane Fire Department, SAFE Kids Spokane, the Downtown Spokane Partnership, River Park Square, and KSPS PBS are partnering once again for the annual Kids Junior Fire Academy, a free, family-friendly event designed to help kids learn important safety skills while having fun with Spokane Firefighters.

The event will take place Saturday, September 12th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at River Park Square and along Post Street in downtown Spokane. Kids Jr Fire Academy is open to kids of all ages.

The event follows the 25^th anniversary of September 11^th, 2001, providing an opportunity for the community to come together with Spokane Firefighters, share in the spirit of service, and remind the next generation of the courage, compassion, and dedication that define the fire service.

"We all have that special kid in our life who dreams of becoming a firefighter," stated Spokane Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Manager Jamie McIntyre. "As we mark 25 years since September 11^th, Jr Fire Academy is an opportunity for our community to come together with firefighters, celebrate the spirit of service, and give kids a chance to experience what it means to be a firefighter."

Throughout the event, kids and families can:

• tour a fire truck and fire engine,
• learn about wildfire safety,
• practice hands-only CPR,
• make a fire-themed craft with Mobius,
• operate a charged fire hose,
• learn about child passenger safety from SAFE Kids Spokane,
• take a photo with Sparky the Fire Safety Dog,
• meet Fisher and Isaac, the event's comfort dogs,
• learn about Poison Safety with Mr. Yuk and Washington Poison Control,
• meet Spokane's Arson Dog, Chardonnay, and her partner, Jared,
• participate in additional hands-on safety activities throughout the event.

Kids can collect stamps as they visit activity stations throughout the academy. Once they complete all activities, they can receive a certificate officially recognizing them as Jr Firefighters and a free sweet treat from Kona Ice.

"Our community partners are essential to the success of the event, and we're excited to bring so many fun, interactive safety activities in one place," McIntyre said. "We want kids to leave with new skills, great memories, and the knowledge that they can play an important role in keeping themselves, their families, and their communities safe."

Families can also take part in an optional fire-safety scavenger hunt presented in partnership with KSPS PBS. Participants will visit five interactive stations throughout the Jr Fire Academy and solve a fire safety riddle at each stop. Kids who complete their scavenger hunt workshop can showcase what they learned and pick a special prize.

Kids Jr Fire Academy is free and open to kids of all ages and their families. No registration is required.

Media Opportunity

Media are invited to attend the Kids Jr Fire Academy. Reporters and photographers interested in a behind-the-scenes story may visit before the event to preview the academy and speak with organizers and participants.

Media contact: Jamie McIntyre, SFD Community Risk Reduction Manager, (509) 435-7058

Related Photos

• SFD's 8th Annual Kids Jr Firefighter Acadamy Poster
• Deputy Chief Jared Harms and his partner, Chardonnay the Arson Dog

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