ST. PAUL – Kids had the opportunity to be mini-firefighters during the Fire Prevention Week Open House at the St. Paul Fire Hall on Oct. 1.
Activities for the children included riding the fire truck, spraying small hoses, and an obstacle course where they could “drag the hose and it’s a chance to pretend to be a firefighter,” according to Henry Thomson, deputy chief with the St. Paul Fire Department.
“We’re kicking off Fire Prevention Week that’s starting next week,” said Thomson, explaining the open house is a great way to educate the public and children about fire safety in a fun and engaging way. For example, there was a demonstration where visitors were made aware of the dangers of leaving a barbecue and a stove against the wall of a house.
Thomson said they also showed the public how to properly handle fire extinguishers, as well as planning for and escaping a house in case of fire, “so that’s sort of the message here and we want to do it fun.”
The open house also gives volunteer firefighters a chance to interact with the public.
Among the visitors on Saturday included Celine Lefebvre, spouse to a volunteer firefighter. She brought along her children to educate them on fire safety awareness, and for them to have fun. She believes safety is important.
Lefebvre briefly looked over to check on her children before saying, “They’re having a blast.”
Ron Plante is also another visitor who brought his family and a friend to the event. According to Plante, the open house is an opportunity for his family to show appreciation to the St. Paul Fire Department’s volunteer firefighters, and to learn about what they do.
In addition, his children also had fun opportunities including participating in the obstacle courses and seeing the equipment the fire department uses regularly.
Steven Jeffery, a St. Paul resident and the CAO for the Town of St. Paul, brought his kids to educate them about the St. Paul Fire Department.
“We tend to only see them in emergency situations... and then we don’t really get to understand or appreciate everything that they actually do on scene.”
Jeffery added, “It’s just really important for the kids too.” Looking at his four and six-year-old boys run around him, he noted. “As you can see, they’re running around... having a great time."
Jeffery said the St. Paul Fire Department did an amazing job of hosting the event.
