Each of Fairfax County’s 39 fire stations held an Open House on Oct. 11 to showcase their apparatus, introduce their personnel to local families, and highlight important fire safety and health measures. The Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department was awarded Best Open House in the 1st Battalion for the second year in a row.
This year’s national fire prevention week theme was “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” During the award presentation, Battalion Chief Ben Jenkins highlighted the station’s activities for adults and children, and discussed potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
Sparky the Fire Dog posed for countless photos while passing out treats from an old-fashioned fire bucket. Kids had fun navigating an obstacle course designed to simulate elements of a real firefighter agility test. The course featured activities such as pulling a fire hose, dragging a teddy bear “rescue dummy,” and using a wooden force machine — known to firefighters as “The Keiser.” A fun stop, drop, and roll mat activity demonstrated to kids how to “extinguish” their body flames, and they were also able to hold and spray a real fire hose to “knock out” the fire in a display house. Quiet activities included an area with board books, fire and rescue toys, coloring and stickers.
There were free blood pressure screenings; volunteer EMTs provided instruction on hands-only CPR, which is the new American Heart Association “CPR for bystanders.” Adults and children enjoyed touring the ambulance and fire truck.
Volunteer EMTs and Open House co-chairs Leslie Smith and Sophia Wood said the goals of the event were to welcome neighbors into their hometown fire station and provide important safety and emergency medical information in a non-intimidating way. They hope residents will feel free to reach out to the department if they have questions or want more information on ways to keep their families safe.
