Spokane Fire Department Station 1 Partners with The Arc for Inclusive Fire Safety
Building a Safer, More Inclusive Spokane with Station 1
At The Arc of Spokane, our mission is to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are active, included, and safe in their neighborhoods. Creating direct connections between our members and local first responders is a vital part of building that inclusive community.
Meeting Spokane’s Firefighters
Fire safety is a fundamental right, and clear communication is the key to preparedness. That’s why, on January 12, 2026, The Arc of Spokane’s Community Center welcomed firefighters from Spokane Fire Department Station 1 for a meet-and-greet to brush up on fire safety (and see the super cool truck, of course!).
The visit began with a focused review of fire safety protocols. Firefighters and members discussed practical emergency steps, such as navigating exit routes and responding to smoke alarms. While the session was engaging, the primary goal was ensuring that safety information was accessible and familiar. By reviewing these procedures in a known environment, members can better process and apply these skills, ensuring they are prepared to act in an emergency.
Inclusive Safety Training
After reviewing what to do in the event of a fire at the Community Center, firefighters answered questions and passed out stickers to everyone. And the stickers were a BIG hit. "The firefighters are my friends now," said JP after the safety discussion. "They gave me this gold sticker!"
Once everyone had a sticker, we moved on to the show-and-tell portion of our firefighter meet-and-greet! To show what happens when the alarm rings at the station, the firefighters demonstrated their "quick dress" routine. The group observed as the crew rapidly donned heavy boots, fire-resistant suits, and oxygen masks. A Community Center Specialist timed the demonstration at under 40 seconds, though the firefighters noted that during a real emergency, they aim for closer to 30 seconds. Talk about a world-record morning routine!
When asked what she thought about the firefighters, Justice said, "They put their clothes on so fast! I want to see if I can get ready that fast, too." We believe in you, Justice!
This demonstration helps demystify the appearance of firefighters in full gear. By bridging the gap between first responders and the community, we ensure that protective equipment is seen as a sign of safety rather than a source of confusion or fear during an emergency. After the demonstration, firefighters took time to answer questions and hand out stickers to the group.
“[Inclusive communities ensure] our members feel confident and recognized by the people who keep [Spoklane] safe. ”
A Hands-On Experience with Engine 1
After all the safety demonstrations were complete, we took a short walk up to The Arc of Spokane’s parking lot, where members got an up-close-and-personal look at a fire truck! The group took turns examining the equipment, from holding a fire helmet to seeing the specialized tools used to navigate buildings. Members asked about how much water the trucks carry, the types of calls the crew receives, and what it’s like to respond to an alarm in downtown Spokane.
While the entire visit was a great learning experience, the hands-on time with the engine was a highlight for Andrea. "I liked looking at the truck," she said. "Bravo likes the truck, too." Bravo, Andrea's toy dog, was there to take in the sights and was a very good boy throughout the morning.
Before the firefighters headed back to the station, they turned on the engine and ran the siren for the group. Once the engine departed, members returned to the Community Center to finish their day. These interactions ensure that our members feel confident and recognized by the people who keep our city safe. We are grateful to Station 1 for their time, their kindness, and their commitment to an inclusive Spokane.
Video clips from the Spokane Fire Department Station 1’s visit to the Community Center
