The First-In Fire Foundation donated portable food pantries in February to personnel at LAFD Station 58, and is returning to donate a permanent pantry. (photo courtesy of First-In Fire Foundation)

The public is invited to an open house on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Station 58 at 1556 S. Robertson Blvd.

The community can meet the firefighters who serve the Pico-Robertson area and take photographs. The event also provides an opportunity to learn about fire safety and preparedness.

The open house is sponsored by the First-In Fire Foundation and Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District. The nonprofit First-In Fire Foundation provides resources such as food and freezers to fire stations to ensure that personnel have nutritious meals during long periods at or away from the fire station. The foundation also previously donated portable food pantry boxes similar to ice chests so firefighters can take nourishment with them in the field. On Dec. 7, the First-In Fire Foundation will dedicate a large permanent food pantry at the fire station.

“We have been working with the councilwoman for two years on the pantry program. We delivered two mobile pantries and we will now deliver the big steel pantry,” First-in Fire Foundation president Lyn MacEwen Cohen said. “It’s going to be a big benefit for the firefighters. Everyone is welcome. We are beside ourselves with happiness about it.”

LAFD Capt. Jon Barnhart, of Station 58, said the event offers an opportunity for people to get to know first responders and emergency personnel. He added that members of the public seldom stop by the station, so he hopes people from the surrounding community will take part in the celebration.

“We are always open to visitors,” he added. “People are more than welcome to stop by fire station.”

Cohen said the foundation plans to donate large permanent pantries to all seven LAFD fire stations in the 5th City Council District, and donations are always welcome. For information, visit firstinfirefoundation.org.