'Pay attention,' firefighters to stress at fire prevention activities
October has been named Fire Prevention Month by the National Fire Protection Association and the week of Oct. 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week in memory of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The association is placing a special emphasis this year on cooking safety.
Fire departments and companies throughout Bucks County are joining in the effort to remind residents to "pay attention to fire prevention." Activities include:
Memorial service in Doylestown
The Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Memorial Committee and the county commissioners will host the Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service 10 a.m., Oct. 8, in the Memorial Courtyard of the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown, rain or shine. A reception will follow at the Doylestown Fire Co. on Shewell Avenue.
Firefighters Expo in Middletown
Come out for a day of fun, food and fire safety information Oct. 7 when the Middletown Fire Prevention Expo takes place at the Restaurant Depot parking lot, 1661 Lincoln Highway, Langhorne. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, rain or shine, and will feature appearances from all of the Middletown Township fire companies, the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad and Middletown Police. Additionally the Temple Med Flight helicopter and Marshal from Paw Patrol will welcome visitors. Other activities include a tour of a '"fire safety house," as well as face-painting and safety demonstrations from police, fire and emergency medical staff members. Food trucks and local vendors will also participate. "This event is a great opportunity for the community to interact with our first responders and learn about fire prevention," said Middletown Fire Safety Coordinator Riley Collins.
Car fire demonstration in Southampton
The Southampton Fire Co. will host a fire prevention open house 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the firehouse, 925 E. Street Road. How firefighters put out a live car fire will be demonstrated and there will be numerous other educational activities for all ages. A recruitment station will be set up for anyone age 14 or older who is interested in becoming a volunteer.
The fire company received a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to help recruit more volunteers.
To highlight its volunteers, the tagline, “One Team. One Mission. All Volunteer” will be featured throughout the four-year campaign, along with the URL “JoinSouthamptonFire.org.” The new recruitment website is a one-stop-shop for everything recruitment where the community can learn about the volunteer experience, read frequently asked questions and member testimonials, and learn more about volunteer positions.
“We look forward to continuing the standing tradition of volunteers at Southampton with the support of this campaign,” said Assistant Chief Dave Ridge. “Our hope is that the community will see the immense benefits of volunteering and will want to become part of our Southampton fire family.”
Northampton Fire Co. to show firefighting techniques
The Northampton Fire Co. will set up a display of its equipment and firefighting techniques 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the township's Municipal Park, 281 Hatboro Road. The event will include live firefighting demonstrations, interactive displays, food and fun activities.
Yardley-Makefield to let adults try 'Jaws of Life'
The Yardley-Makefield Fire Co. open house will take place 6 to 9 p.m. at the station at 652 Stony Hill Road. There will be car fire and shed fire demonstrations and adults will be able to try out the “Jaws of Life” lifesaving equipment on an actual vehicle. A Temple Med Flight helicopter will pay a visit and children can use a fire hose on a simulated fire, said Lower Makefield Fire Service Director Timothy Chamberlain.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County Fire Prevention Month activities include service, expos
