Variety of activities on tap for fire department open house

Having the opportunity to put out a car fire is always a big hit at the fire department’s annual open house. Last year’s fire prevention day was a huge success, drawing more than 400 people. (File Photo).

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Many a child has dreamed of being a firefighter, and happily donned the plastic firefighter hats during fire education programs. The fire department’s open house is an opportunity to take that dream one step further.

Using a fire hose to douse the flames of a controlled car fire is one of the many activities that will be available to youth and their parents as part of the Tillsonburg Fire Department’s annual open house on Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Other activities on tap include the opportunity to check out fire trucks and other emergency vehicles both inside and outside, and a demonstration by the special ops team’s rope rescue unit.

“If somebody is in a ravine and they need to be extricated, they could use the special ops team,” explained fire department educator Sarah Barclay.

The special ops team is also trained in water rescue, ice rescue and hazardous material handling. This can include fuel spills, biological spills, nuclear and chemical spills.

“They’re trained to a certain level of response,” said Geoff Hayman, Tillsonburg’s fire prevention officer, adding the department will call in mutual aid or experts if needed.

And, of course, the open house includes free food available with the Rapid Relief Team barbecuing hamburgers and hotdogs and Tim Hortons providing coffee, hot chocolate and Timbits.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will be on display and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about these life-saving devices. A variety of safety and promotional handouts for children and adults will be available.

For the younger people, Beepa, the new fire safety mascot originating from Tillsonburg, will be in attendance.

The event drew more than 400 people last year.

“We’ve been fortunate the weather has been good,” Barclay said. “Please Mother Nature . . .”

“If not, it will be revised and indoors,” Hayman added.

And for the teenagers out there still holding dreams of being a firefighter, those questions can be answered as well.