Lombard Fire Department to host open house for Fire Prevention Week

For National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, the Lombard Fire Department is inviting residents to its community open house on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

It will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road.

The open house is a fun and free event where you can meet your Lombard firefighters and paramedics. There will be demonstrations, as well as opportunities to take a closer look at the fire and emergency medical services vehicles that are used in firefighting and emergency responses.

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Cooking safety starts with YOU: Pay attention to fire prevention" works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking-related fires and deaths. The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns with these simple but effective tips.

"When you're cooking, fires can escalate rapidly. We have witnessed damage to homes and injuries to individuals when simple precautions could have made a significant difference," said Fire Marshal Perry Johnson.

Attendees who purchased pink shirts this year or in previous years are encouraged to wear them for a group photo with the fire department at 7 p.m. in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Anyone with questions about the event can contact Lombard Fire Marshal & Bureau Chief Perry Johnson at (630) 620-5750 or JohnsonP@villageoflombard.org.