Seventy children stationed themselves at the La Habra Library to meet the firefighters of Station 191 and learn about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Before the firefighters arrived, Librarian Cathy Gillette read fire-related books and led the children in nursery rhymes in the library's meeting room.
As soon as the firefighters arrived, the children and their parents flocked to the curb outside to get a close-up look at the fire engine and water valves.
Firefighter Rick Creighton began by telling the children how to avoid a house fire and what to do in case of an emergency.
"9-1-1," the children shouted in response to Creighton asking what number to call.
The children then headed to the fire engine so that Creighton and his fellow firefighter, Paul Cooper, could explain all of the parts, equipment and cabinets on the truck.
Dezmond Lemley, 5, had a chance to hold a piece of safety equipment with Cooper's assistance.
"I liked the way they (the firefighters) showed us the back (of the engine)," Lemley said. "I liked the hoses."
Mother Laurie Lemley said she was happy to bring her son to the popular library event.
"He likes the firefighters," she said. "He is a normal boy."
The fire hose demonstration was a fan favorite among the children, who squatted down by the curb to watch the soapy water stream into gutter. Sisters Daisy, 4, and Lilyanna Villarreal, 5, dipped their toes into the suds of water that flowed past.