Firefighters Will Put Out Fires for Fun, Education This Weekend

The will be hosting its annual  11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at , 215 E. Sixth St.

Complete with a Jaws of Life demonstration, CPR presentation, visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, smokehouse tour and more, the open house is a fun and informative way to explore the ins and outs of fire safety. According to firefighter paramedic Cary Thompson, the event’s attendance seems to grow each year.

“We really love to have all the families come out,” Thompson said. “We want Royal Oak residents to come out and enjoy their fire department.”

Like many fire departments in the area, the Royal Oak Fire Department chooses to host its annual open house in October during National Fire Prevention Month.

“What we’re trying to do is prevent injuries and deaths by educating people all through the year,” Thompson said. “This is our highlight event.”

Though the event is fun for families, firefighters want to ensure that attendees young and old are learning something from the open house. One of the activities that kids tend to get the biggest kick out of, according to Thompson, is the water station, where the children can spray water at a miniature house to put out a fire.

Another presentation that children tend to enjoy is the fire safety while cooking demonstration. Attendees gather around while an actual fire breaks out on top of a stove. Thompson said it’s easier to get the children to pay attention to the safety procedures during this demonstration because the firefighters catch their attention with the real fire. 

“It’s really a neat event because the kids get a chance to see what firefighters do and what happens if there’s a real fire,” Thompson said.

Along with refreshments and the many stations that are set up throughout the day offering hands-on learning opportunities, the fire marshal will be passing out fire safety information.

“This year with the literature we pass out we want to make sure that everyone that comes leaves with an exit drill for their home,” Thompson said.

For more information on the Fire Fighter’s Open House contact the Royal Oak Fire Department at (248) 246-3800.