The Leander Fire Department is giving residents a chance to see what a day in the life of a firefighter is really like.

Firefighter for a Day is a free event in which participants learn how to prepare for and respond to disasters, wear firefighter gear, experience a smoke-filled room, put out a fire in a training scenario, participate in a rescue operation, learn CPR and how to use automated external defibrillators, and rappel from a training tower.

Jill Nalley, LFD community outreach officer, said the department has hosted Firefighter for a Day one to two times per year since 2011. The event stemmed from a Citizen Academy that lasted several weeks; she said the program was condensed to allow more residents to participate.

“We think everyone can commit to one day to learn about their local fire department,” she said.

The event highlights some of the more exciting parts of the job, such as rappelling from a training tower and fighting a fire in bunker gear, Nalley said.

“Those are the activities that really give people something to talk about when they go home at the end of the day,” she said.

Nalley said the LFD regularly hosts activities that allow residents to get a hands-on look at the department, not only to foster pride in the community but also to see where their tax dollars are going. Participants also go home with some safety and preparedness information that could help keep their own family safe during a disaster, she said.

“We think this event allows us to do this in a way that the information sticks because it’s so interactive,” she said.

Nalley said each class is capped at 20 participants. As of today, there are 10 spots left, she said.

The event takes place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 8. Lunch and a souvenir T-shirt are provided. Participants must be age 18 or older, live in the LFD coverage area and sign a liability waiver. Those interested can learn more and register at www.leandertx.gov.