Moorestown Fire Prevention works hard to ensure all local businesses are up to code and free of any potential fire hazards and to educate the public about fire safety. It is the first line of defense when it comes to stopping fires before they even start.
“Our motto is prevention through education,” said MFP administrative assistant Jamie Boren.
On Friday, Oct. 11, the group is taking this mission to the community once again at its annual Moorestown Fire Prevention Night, taking place 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bureau of Fire Prevention, 225 N. Lenola Road.
According to Boren, the organization has been holding open house events like this for the last 30 years. Fire Prevention Night corresponds with National Fire Prevention Week, which occurs each year during the week in which Oct. 9 falls. The date commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that famously ravaged the city from Oct. 8 to 10 in 1871 (before fire codes).
Thanks to people like Boren, Moorestown doesn’t have to worry about a repeat of that historic disaster, but that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t be taking every step they can to ensure they are being as safe as possible when it comes to fire.
“Everything we do is geared towards what you can do to prevent a fire in your home, and in the event of a fire in your home, what to do,” said Boren.
That is largely what Fire Prevention Night is all about, educating residents on how to keep safe and inviting them in to get a behind-the-scenes look at how their local fire departments operate while showing them a good time. In addition to Moorestown’s own departments, there will be firefighters and equipment from Maple Shade, Mt. Laurel and Cinnaminson’s departments as well.
At the event, firefighters from these departments will be performing live fire demonstrations that are equal parts entertaining and informative, as well as offering hands-on instruction on how to operate a fire extinguisher. Firefighting apparatus and equipment will be on display as well for visitors to tour and both adults and children will have a chance to take a ride on a real fire truck.
According to Boren, kids who come out to the event will have plenty of games and activities to keep them entertained throughout the night. No child will leave empty-handed, as there will be crafts and giveaways aplenty.
In addition to the educational and entertainment aspects of evening, Boren says Fire Prevention Night is also a way for local volunteer departments to hopefully drum up interest for people to get involved. There will be information available about volunteering and plenty of professionals who would be more than happy to walk someone through the application process for their local department.
“Especially in a volunteer town, anything that puts the fire department on the radar of the residents is a good thing. Any community involvement is necessary, especially for us to stay volunteer,” said Boren.
