Chesterfield Township Fire Station Open House Draws Hundreds – The Voice

Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of people came to the Chesterfield Township Fire Station’s open house this year.

The annual event was held again at Fire Station No. 3 on Oct. 13 and offered the public an opportunity to learn more about the community’s firefighters, their tools and facilities. Activities for all ages were planned, including interactive demonstrations, exhibits, a bouncy castle, refreshments and the department’s fire shelter, which teaches children how to avoid and escape fires.

Fire Chief Michael Scalici estimated that about 400 people were present. The rainy weather and cooler temperatures likely kept some people home.

“Despite the weather, a good turnout,” said Scalici. “Everyone seemed to be having a good time. It went really well.”

As the holiday season approaches, one fire showed how quickly a Christmas tree fire can start and spread throughout the room.

“It educated the public about the dangers of a live Christmas tree,” Scalici said. “The whole room was on fire in less than a minute.”

In addition, fire department vehicles and equipment were displayed to demonstrate the various skills and services of members. The children learned how to use a fire extinguisher by putting out real flames and trying out the fire hose with the help of a firefighter. Sparky the fire dog visited families during the event.

A dunk tank also provided additional fun. Three volunteers took on the lead role this year: firefighter Justin Johnson; Adam McKee, son of firefighter Nate McKee; and Ryan Miller, the son of Fire Chief Crag Miller.

“Everyone who dunked it received a little fireman’s duck,” Scalici said.

The open day was the culmination of the fire protection week, which took place from October 6th to 12th. The 2024 campaign “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms in the home. Fire Prevention Week – the longest-running public health event in the country – commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and calls on firefighters to provide life-saving public education to dramatically reduce the number of casualties caused by fires.

The Chesterfield Township Fire Department is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. For more information about the department, call 586-725-2233 or visit chesterfieldfire.org.

Safety at the Christmas tree

According to the National Fire Protection Association, while Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable.

Almost a third of all Christmas tree fires at home are caused by electrical problems. A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in five fires. About two out of five home Christmas tree fires start in the living room.

The NFPA offered the following tips to ensure a safe holiday season:

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that won’t fall off when touched.

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 5 cm off the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, vents or lights.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

• Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

• Discard the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dry trees pose a fire hazard and should not be left indoors or in the garage or placed outside the home.

For more fire safety tips, visit nfpa.org.