Whispering Pines will highlight Fire Prevention Week with one of its newest fire preventers this Saturday.

The village is inviting the community to a dedication and open house to celebrate its newest piece of equipment, Engine 511.

The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Station, 16 Hardee Lane in Whispering Pines.

Fire Chief Rich Lambdin invites everyone to join in what he calls a day of “fun for everyone.”

“We are excited to be holding an open house and demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 13,” Lambdin said. “During the first hour we will be dedicating our new fire engine, and this will be followed by an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where we will be offering free hot dogs, sodas, water, cookies and popcorn. Fire and rescue demonstrations will take place, which will include extinguishing a burning car and an auto extrication exercise in which we demonstrate how someone who is trapped inside an automobile is rescued. An Air-Med helicopter is scheduled to make an appearance as well.”

Lambdin said that plenty of items will be given away at the event, including junior firefighter helmets and coloring books.

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“There will be appearances by Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Dalmatian, and much more,” he said. “Everyone is invited to come join us for a fun-filled time.”

The department’s new engine is a 2012 Toyne Spartan, which carries 1,000 gallons of water and is equipped with a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump. It cost $352,000.

The vehicle is designated with the number 511, meaning that it is affiliated with Whispering Pines station 51. The numeral 1 tells emergency personnel that it is a fire engine as opposed to a tanker or bush truck.

“Our new unit replaces a 20-year-old engine that was nearing the end of its usefulness,” Lambdin said. “At the open house, the new engine will be involved in the fire and rescue demonstrations, and spectators will have an opportunity to climb into the vehicle and learn more about its features.”

The Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Station employs two full-time employees and nine part-timers.

Including volunteers, Lambdin said that 35 firemen are available for emergency operations.

For additional information call (910) 949-2400 or email Lambdin at rmlambdin@ wpfire-rescue.com.

Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot.com.