Several hundred people braved the rain to attend the Bainbridge Island Fire Department’s open house for Station 23.

Festivities included station tours, disaster preparedness information booths, light refreshments and an emergency vehicle extraction demonstration.

Originally built in 1993, Station 23’s primary function has been as a training center and a muster point for department volunteers. The Phelps Road facility had never been regularly staffed, though residents of the north end had requested this service repeatedly. Last year, voters approved a levy increase, finally making it possible for the fire station to up its manpower.