A live fire demonstration, games, displays of specialty gear, the chance to sit behind the wheel of a fire engine or try aiming a hose – plus barbecued chicken – brought the community to the fire station on a stunning fall day.
Sunday’s event combined fun and fire safety. Threaded throughout activities for young and old were critical reminders:
- have an escape plan and practice it
- make sure your house number is visible
- close bedroom doors when you sleep
- replace smoke detector batteries twice a year.
The fire demonstration saw two mock-up bedrooms–complete with mattress, bookcase and flatscreen–simultaneously set alight. In one, a smoke detector beeped and ceiling sprinkler quickly went off, drowning the fire before it could take hold. A singed wall and bedspread fit for the Transfer Station were the sole casualties.
Meanwhile, without a sprinkler, the other bedroom was engulfed within minutes, producing flames, thick smoke and a wall of heat exceeding 1000 degrees. A trio of NG firefighters in full gear stepped close and extinguished the flames.
The live-fire demonstration may have been eye-catching, but equally impressive were quieter moments as NGFR members talked safety with kids, patiently answered visitors’ questions about vehicles and gear, and connected with the community they serve.
— Joanne Cole
