Fire safety tips and sweeping harbor views at Fire District No. 1 open house

Oct 13, 2019

Kids and families learned valuable fire safety tips and got a unique view of Padanaram at Fire District No. 1’s annual Open House. 

The October 13 event saw the fire station open for visitors of all ages to check out the firefighter’s equipment and vehicles — including the district’s ladder truck.

Firefighters brought guests up high on its ladder truck, which provided guests with a direct view of Padanaram Harbor more than 90 feet up in the air. 

The annual open house is held each year to coincide with National Fire Safety Month. 

“People can see everything the firefighters use, and it lets them learn a little bit about what our firefighters do,” said Acting Chief Jake Bettencourt. 

It was also a chance to learn important fire safety tips. Outside in the parking lot, firefighter Kenny Avila demonstrated how to use a fire extinguisher to fight a grease fire. He walked onlookers through the “PASS” method to using an extinguisher: “Pull the pin,” “Aim low,” “Squeeze,” and “Sweep.” 

Inside, a District No. 1 firefighter talked to kids and adults about fire safety, including the importance of designating an evacuation point in the event of a fire. 

Miss the open house? District No. 1 has another big event lined up: A Halloween Bash. It will be held on October 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 10 Bridge Street fire station. Trunk-or-treating, touch-a-truck, refreshments, and other activities will be available. Costumes are encouraged.