Parents looking for fun, educational activities for their children this summer may want to take advantage of a firehouse tour in Fairfield.

The Fairfield Fire Department gives kids complete tours of its firehouse on Reef Road, allowing them to get behind the wheel of a truck, spray the fire hose and slide down the fire pole. Children also learn about fire safety.

Lieutenant Roger Caisse said the children?s visits are fun, but he's serious about the teaching. ?Well, the younger we can get people to understand fire safety and understand what to do in the event of a fire, the better prepared they are?? Caisse said.

The fire department said any member of the public can visit any time.

Firefighters send the kids home with a little homework. They hand out fire safety coloring books and ask the children to perform a fire drill at home.