The Evanston fire department will hold an open house Thursday for its Evanston Fire Explorer program, the city announced Monday.

The program, which began in 2012, aims to give students between the ages of 14 and 20 the chance to become familiar with careers available in the fire service. Participants meet twice a month at one of the five fire stations in the city.

The program is designed to endorse responsibility, being safe, communication, cooperation, fitness and the development of leadership skills.

Professionals in the Evanston fire department teach explorers basic firefighting and emergency medical service skills, which they can use by responding to emergencies in the ride-along program. Participants also partake in team-building exercises and public service projects and assist with daily tasks in the fire station, including community relations, fire prevention and equipment and station maintenance.

The open house is designed to provide an introduction to the program and will include a Q&A portion. It will take place at the Evanston fire department headquarters, 909 Lake St., at 7 p.m.

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