Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company

Fire Prevention Open House
by Edgar Gottshall, Fire Prevention Officer
Monday October 8, 2012

SCHUYLKILL TWP, PA - The Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company held an open house on Monday, October 8, 2012, to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.  Nearly 110 children attended the event with their parents.

There were numerous activities setup for the kids to learn about fire safety.  The kids enjoyed using fire hoses to put out the “house fire” as well as creating fire houses at the auxiliary’s craft table.  Parents and kids had fun with Smokey the Bear and Sparky the fire dog while enjoying the food.  The kids learned the dangers around the house and two ways out in the fire safety trailer.  The firefighters put on a demonstration of our Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) showing that even though we may not feel the fire through the wall, the TIC was able to pinpoint the heat.  The firefighters also showed how to cover a burning pan to put out the fire.  Also on hand was a police officer from Schuylkill Township and forestry rangers showing tools they use to keep the public safe. 

VFVFCo’s newest fire engine, a 2012 Crimson Rescue Pumper, was on display for all to see.  The activities were briefly interrupted when the house siren sounded for a real fire call. Everyone watched as the Fire Chief and Engine 68-2 responded to an automatic fire alarm.  Fortunately, the emergency turned out to be a false alarm and the crews quickly returned just in time to take part in extinguishing   the mock room and contents fire set up in parking lot while the crowd looked on.  Two rooms were constructed, one with a working sprinkler and one without.  After the rooms were ignited, the public noticed the room without the sprinkler burned a lot more than the room with a sprinkler. They really saw how sprinkler systems could save property and lives.  At the end of the night, prizes were drawn for those whom completed their cards.  A fun time had by all.

We would like to thank the Fire Company Auxiliary for the donating crafts and food, the US Forest Service for Smokey the Bear, NCCCA for use of the Fire Safety Trailer, Venture Crew and the fire fighters for putting on great demonstrations.