Open House at Valley Forge by Rescue Captain Julius Marosfalvi Jr. October 4, 2010
On Monday October 4, 2010, children and parents braved the elements to attend the VFVFC Annual Fire Prevention Open House. And despite of the light rain, there was a wonderful turnout from the community.
In anticipation of the many children, the volunteer firefighters had prepared many activities and demonstrations that were both educational and exciting. At one station, kids took turns trying out a real hose line spraying water at targets. At another station they used a water extinguisher to safely put out a small wood fire. Firefighters inside demonstrated how they put on all their firefighting clothing including air packs and performed a search and rescue scenario. At still another station, children and parents alike were amazed with the latest hi-tech tool used by firefighters, a thermal imaging camera. Firefighters demonstrated how heat sources could be detected behind walls and doors and how the camera can be used to find people that may have been overcome by smoke in a burning building.
While the fire company Auxiliary was serving hot and cold refreshments, kids enjoyed meeting Smokey the Bear and were amused by the remote-controlled Sparky the Fire Dog in his mini-firetruck. And of course, what child could resist climbing inside the many fire trucks.
But the highlight of the evening was the car fire demonstration. A junked car, donated by Abel Bros. Towing, was set ablaze. Within moments the car was fully engulfed by the flames. Just then a VFVFC engine came roaring down the street as crowd began to cheer. As the fire engine came to a stop a safe distance from the fire, firefighters quickly pulled a hose line from truck, charged the line with water and immediately began to extinguish the fire. Within mere seconds, the bulk of the fire was knocked down. As the hose crew continued to douse the flames, another firefighter approached the vehicle to break out one of the side windows to help the heat and smoke escape. The thick black smoke that once bellowed from the vehicle quickly turned light grey as the water from the fire hose turned to steam. In less than two short minutes, the fire was out. Crews continued to dump water inside of the vehicle for several more minutes ensure all the hot spots were out.
For the volunteer firefighters this annual event is a way to remind residents about fire safety both inside and outside of their homes. And for all those that attended the open house, this was a great way to meet the local volunteers that serve and protect Schuylkill Township and the surrounding communities, day and night.
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"Protecting Your National Heritage" P.O. Box 62 630 Valley Park Road Valley Forge, PA 19481
