Nine fire companies in our area are hosting open houses to support the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week runs from October 8 through October 14. Fire companies across Montgomery County are encouraging residents to learn about fire safety by hosting free, family-friendly community events.
“Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge on fire safety,” said President of Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association George Wilmot III. “It’s also a way for residents to learn more about their local fire company and how they can get involved with it.”
Chief Kevin Lynch of LaMott Fire Company in Elkins Park encourages community members to show their appreciation.
“The community should take advantage of Fire Prevention Week. This area is still all-volunteer, and the time and commitment from these individuals is astronomical,” he said. Go to learn something, and also to support your local firefighters. It means a lot. It’s a good feeling when you have a large turnout. It lets us know that people care.”
Lynch expects LaMott to take part in Fire Prevention Week 2024.
“We’re still in the process of restructuring. We’ve built it back up, and we continue to expand. We’re hoping by next year we’ll be a part of the week. Right now we’re working on getting our guys trained and certified,” he said.
The dates, times and details of each company’s evening can be found below:
Elkins Park Fire Company
· When: Friday, October 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
· Location: Elkins Park Fire Company, 7818 Montgomery Avenue, Elkins Park.
· Details: Tour the fire station, check out the trucks and try on gear. There will be live demonstrations and activities, raffles and food to enjoy.
Abington Township Fire Department
Abington Township Fire Department’s five fire companies; Abington, McKinley, Roslyn, Weldon and Edge Hill will host an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week.
· Monday, October 9: Abington Fire Company, 1920 Horace Ave., Abington.
· Tuesday, October 10: McKinley Fire Company, 893 Jenkintown Rd., Elkins Park.
· Wednesday, October 11: Roslyn Fire Company, 1128 Bradfield Rd., Roslyn.
· Thursday, October 12: Weldon Fire Company, 412 N. Easton Rd., Glenside.
· Friday, October 13: Edge Hill Fire Company, 2843 Limekiln Pike, North Hills.
· Details: Watch hands-on demonstrations, tour the fire trucks, learn safety tips and meet local firefighters. Participate in exciting activities, including giveaways, and enjoy tasty snacks.
Jenkintown Fire Department
· When: Thursday, October 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
· Location: Between Pioneer and Independent Fire Stations on the 600 Block of Greenwood Ave, Jenkintown.
· Details: Meet first responders, extinguish an oven and stove fire, try on firefighting gear, tour and touch a truck and learn about Fire Prevention Week safety tips from Jenkintown’s first responders.
Fort Washington Fire Company
· When: Monday, October 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
· Location: Upper Dublin High School, 800 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington.
· Details: Watch demonstrations such as live burn and vehicle rescue. Participate in scavenger hunts, giveaways and learn how to target fire hoses. Meet your local firefighters from roughly 30 surrounding fire companies. Visit the main entrance and hallways for fun and educational information for all ages.
More fire prevention events are being scheduled, so check your local fire company’s website for updates. For kitchen fire safety tips in conjunction with this year’s fire prevention theme, visit www.montcofirefighters.org.
Interested in volunteering with your local fire company? Visit to www.montcofirefighters.org/contact-2/ to fill out an inquiry form or learn more.
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.