Jefferson Elementary School kindergarten students Andres Gonzalez, left, and Jaime Martinez checkout Muscatine firefighter Anthony Krumbholtz during a tour of the station Thursday morning. Beth Van Zandt/Muscatine Journal

MUSCATINE, Iowa — Jefferson Elementary School kindergartners covered their ears Thursday morning as a test alarm rang through the Muscatine Fire Station.

Firefighter/paramedic Robbie Rock and firefighter/emergency medical technician Brian Wright burst through a hole in the roof and down two poles, demonstrating what they’d do during an emergency.

The children laughed and clapped. But that was only the beginning of the fun.

“This is so cool!” said Austin Adams, 5, as he climbed aboard a truck that holds 700 gallons of water.

Muscatine firefighter/paramedic Andy Summitt answers questions from Jefferson Elementary School kindergarten students as they sit an ambulance at the Public Safety Building Thursday morning. The 52 students toured the living quarters along with the fire trucks. Beth Van Zandt/Muscatine Journal

“That’s as much as a swimming pool,” said Jaime Martinez, 5.

The children also toured an ambulance and listened to songs about fire safety.

The tour wasn’t all about fun and games. It was a learning experience.

Firefighter Anthony Krumbholz put on his gear and breathing apparatus to demonstrate what he looks like entering a burning building.

“Does he look scary?” Troy Anthony, firefighter paramedic asked the wide-eyed 5- and 6-year-olds as Krumbholz pulled on heavy overalls.

“Nooo,” the children replied in their loudest voices.

After Krumbholz put on his face mask and his breathing sounded like the black-masked Darth Vader from the movie “Star Wars,” the students still weren’t afraid, which was the intention of the exercise.

The students were surprised to learn that every fire station used to have horses that pulled water-filled carts.

They also learned that the Muscatine Fire Department’s staff works on 24-hour shifts so each firefighter has his or her own bed.

“How would you like to sleep in a room with eight other people and the alarm going off all night?” firefighter Andy Summit asked the students as they explored the sleeping quarters.

“Yeah!” they yelled with excitement.

Many schools take tours in October as it is national Fire Prevention Month.

On Sunday, the Muscatine Fire Department will host its annual open house from noon-4 p.m. with many activities and learning experiences for families.

The public is invited to the free event.

Details

What: Muscatine Fire Department open house and hands-on activity day

Where: Muscatine fire station, 312 E. Fifth St., Muscatine

Cost: Free

When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11

More information: Some interactive and demonstrational activities include a hose maze, car extrication, burn cell, seat belt convincer, tower rope rescues and dress up as a firefighter.