More than 30 people from Chinese and foreign families in Shekou, Nanshan District, learned about firefighting during a trip Saturday to Shekou Fire and Rescue Station.

A firefighter helps a boy put on a helmet.

At the station, a fire truck with a 32-meter aerial ladder, a foam truck with a 10-ton water tank and various firefighting vehicles and equipment caught the children’s attention. They learned how fire engines function through explanations and demonstrations.

The families also experienced using thermal imagers, putting out fires with a fire extinguisher, using a water cannon and riding a 10-meter ladder.

“My two boys always dreamed to become firefighters and policemen. It is great to bring children here to understand how a fire station works, learn a little more about what a fireman does, learn about the equipment and how to use a fire extinguisher, ” Amy Murray-Leslie from New Zealand said.

A child learns to use a fire hose during his trip to Shekou Fire and Rescue Station.

Sava Tomoiaga from Romania, who has been living in the city for over 20 years, said that the trip was a good experience for children and parents because it can influence their lives in the future. “This kind of activity is really useful for children to come out and be part of the community, and know about what is happening in their neighborhood,” she said.

A group photo of the firefighters and the participants.

The trip to fire and rescue station is an opening event of International Shekou — Kids’ Event Series initiated by Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (MSCE). It aims to raise children’s awareness of fire safety.

The kids’ event series will be followed by other activities that include kids’ emotional management, DIY shirt making, and Chinese martial arts.