Department invites public to attend open house
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Firefighters with the Presque Isle Fire Department are gearing up for a special event on Saturday, when they will be hosting an open house at the Public Safety Building on North Street.
“Our open house is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’re inviting the public to tour our facility and enjoy a number of free activities and a hotdog roast,” said Deputy Chief Adam Rider.
Firefighters will be giving demonstrations using the fire hazard house, providing participants an opportunity to learn about safety drills, what to anticipate in the event of a fire and how to react should a fire break out in your home or business.
“We’ll also have equipment on display and our fire safety trailer. We’ll have games for the kids and Freddie the Fire Truck. We’ll also have a visit from Sprinkler the Clown,” said Rider. “We’ll have a variety of giveaways too.”
A local retailer will also be joining the festivities.
“Lowe’s personnel will be there building wooden projects with the kids,” noted Rider. “Staff from the Maine Forest Service will be there to answer questions and provide safety information.”
Rider said tips will go beyond fire safety and include instruction on car seat installation.
“We’ll have a child safety seat check during the event, so if any parents need car seats checked we’ll be doing that as well,” said Rider.
“We’ve got a lot of fun stuff planned and look forward to seeing everyone there,” said Rider.
Firefighters will also be visiting local schools in the coming weeks, with stops planned in Presque Isle at Pine Street and Zippel elementary schools.
Rider, who also serves on the Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill Fire Department, said firefighters will also be visiting Mapleton Elementary School.
“We do this every year to teach children how to be safe in the event of a fire. What they learn now will stay with them for a lifetime and could not only save their life but the life of loved ones,” said Rider.
For more information, call 769-0881.
