Local fire departments host open houses this weekend
Each year, the National Fire Protection Association selects a theme for Fire Prevention Week focusing on a key fire and life safety behavior. This year's theme is "Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire Can Happen Anywhere." Visitors to the open house will learn about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.
This year's campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire: look for places fire could start; listen for the sound of the smoke alarm; and learn two ways out of every room.
Batavia:
On Sunday, Oct. 14, the Batavia Fire Department will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 2, 1400 Main St. There will be an opening ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Activities taking place during the event include: tours of the station and the fire department vehicles and Batavia ESDA vehicles; vehicle extrication demonstration; informational booths from Tri-Com 9-1-1, Batavia Fire Explorer Post and more; kid's firefighter combat challenge; and visit with the Sparky mascot.
Visit www.cityofbatavia.net.
Elgin:
The annual Elgin Fire Department open house will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Elgin Fire Station 2, 650 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Enjoy a family-friendly day along with antique fire engine rides, refreshments, games, and more throughout the day. There will be drone demonstrations; live fire/sprinkler demonstrations; residential hazardous materials awareness information; and fire extinguisher demonstration. Advocate Sherman Hospital will offer car seat installation and training. Visit www.facebook.com/elginfire/.
Fox River Grove:
The Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, 411 Algonquin Road, will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. Visit foxrivergrovefire.com.
St. Charles:
The St. Charles Fire Department will host an open house on Saturday, Oct. 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 1 and the Municipal parking lot, 112 N. Riverside Ave. Family activities include: live burn demonstration, vehicle extrication, scuba diving, rope rescue, safety house, and combat challenge for kids. Fire engines, fire trucks, off-road vehicles, and rescue boats will all be on display along with various other tools and equipment. For information, visit www.stcharlesil.gov/departments/fire.