The Marion Fire Department is used to dealing with sparks.

On Monday, November 6, though, firefighters were dealing with a different type of spark: sparks of excitement.

The Fire Department opened its doors to the public for an open house on Monday. Several fire trucks were parked in front of the station, awaiting inspection by young children. Inside, the firefighters' gear was on full display and pizza and cookies were stacked on a table.

Sparky the mascot was on hand to greet children. In one corner of the room, an old fire-safety tool, which appeared to be a fold-out dollhouse, was on display. Children pressed different buttons to see the results of leaving a computer plugged in, a light switched on, and other fire hazards.

The Fire Department had originally planned to hold the Open House on October 30. but the wind storm that swept the tri-town, as well as the South Coast in general, meant postponing the event until November 6.

The new day seemed like a good choice. The weather was warm and dry, at least for the moment. "The rain is supposed to hold off," said Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony with a laugh. "I think we'll be lucky here. We've had a good turnout this year."