Overcast, drizzling weather couldn’t stop a few hundred people from turning out for the La Grange Park Fire Department Open House on Saturday.
“We really appreciate the number of people who came out to the Open House, despite the tentative weather,” Fire Chief Dean Maggos said afterwards. “Outside of the clouds and some intermittent drizzling, it turned out to be a great day.”
Having residents out to showcase firefighting and safety equipment is a great way to spread some vital information, he said.
“The most important message of the day is that fire can grow and spread faster than ever these days based on what furnishings are made of,” he said. “Working smoke detectors and installed throughout homes and apartments are a must, and when alerted to a fire, it’s critical to get out fast.”
Indeed, one demonstration Saturday illustrated the startling speed at which a fire can spread in a room without sprinklers. Within five minutes, a simulated room was completely engulfed in flames, with black smoke billowing far above the scene. And five minutes is the time estimated that it takes for the fire department to respond.
Maggos also stressed the challenges faced by older adults and families with young children, saying “smoke detectors coupled with residential fire sprinklers offer the best protection.”
Several demonstrations were designed to teach about techniques to prevent fire-related deaths, including a “safe house” course teaching kids how to escape from a house fire.
Other presentations addressed stove fires, how to use fire extinguishers and a demonstration of the “jaws of life” used to extricate people from vehicles.
Fire trucks were available for rides, along with games, crafts and refreshments, including hot dogs.
There also was a booth dedicated to the history of the La Grange Park Fire Department, where a highlight was an item from 1900, “an original La Grange Park badge from when we first started,” firefighter Evan Lilly said.
Village President James Discipio was pleased with the turnout.
“This is just a great event for our residents,” he said. “We do it every year and it gives us the opportunity to meet the children and show and educate them about fire safety, let them know what the fire department does for the Village, and meet the officers that go out to homes and fight the fires. It’s a great experience for our residents to come out and see what we do.”
Brookfield resident Lauren Toliver attended with her children.
“This is my first time,” she said. “They love fire trucks and ambulances so I thought it would be cool.”
Arlington Heights resident Meredith Wach attended with her children, has a relative working in the La Grange Park Fire Department, and noted the importance of the exhibit with the burning room.
“It was educational,” she said. “But a little scary for the little kids. But I guess that was the point.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
