Firefighters donned their gear for the event, which was free to the community.
The Deptford Fire Department’s Union Company hosted a free fire prevention open house on Oct. 17 at its Blackwood Terrace station, where they offered tips on preventing and escaping fires.
The event took place after National Fire Prevention Week, which was Oct. 8 to Oct. 14. Participants got to see township firefighters in their gear and see equipment in action, including trucks. They also saw an escape plan in action and were advised to regularly check and or change smoke detectors.
The department also provided a trailer participants could go through to simulate an actual fire and how to escape.
“There was lots of activity crawling through the smoke house, checking out the fire trucks and hanging out with Sparky the Fire Dog,” the department posted on Facebook. “Thank you to all the residents that attended and all that brought fire apparatus to the event.”
Officials on hand included the mayor and elected officials, including Councilman Ken Barnshaw, a former EMT and member of Blackwood Terrace Fire House.
“The event is a public service to remind people of fire safety and fire prevention,” he said. “This is the season to change your smoke detectors and plan an escape plan in the case of a fire.”
Barnshaw noted that a couple hundred people were on hand for the open house, which was also a way for the fire department to gauge interest in individuals who might want to be firefighters, adult or child.
“Kids could inquire about joining our fire cadets,” Barnshaw explained. “Firehouses are always a welcome place for people to drop by, whether it be just to converse with firefighters, express interest in becoming one or get assistance on safety.
“The importance is you don’t have to wait until October to get in contact.”
For information and questions about fire safety, contact the Deptford Fire Commissioners via the fire department’s website.
