Open house at Alcoa Fire Department draws crowd
By Wes Wade | (wes.wade@thedailytimes.com)
Capping off an end to Fire Prevention Week, the Alcoa Fire Department held an open house at its station on North Wright Road Saturday that drew about 200 people.
The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, held Oct. 7 through 13, was “Have Two Ways Out!” Alcoa Fire Captain Tom Clark explained the theme focused on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. Firefighters used the open house to hand out information on smoke detector use, fire prevention and other fire safety tips, including the “two ways out” plan.
On display for attendees were four fire engines, a 135-foot rescue tower, two rescue units, a hazmat trailer and one support truck. Residents also had the chance to see several posters and photos of their area firefighters in training and action. Clark said many people said they didn’t realize that firefighters respond to such a multitude of calls, including structural collapses, high-angle rope rescues and hazmat operations.
The event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and included a hot dog lunch. An inflatable bounce house was set up for the children, and they also received fire hats, stickers and tattoos.
Clark said 15 personnel and several family members attended the open house. The event was an opportunity for the department to showcase its equipment and the services it provides to the community on a daily basis.
The department also visited several daycares in Alcoa earlier in the week to educate young children on fire safety, Clark said.
