You're Never Too Old to Learn About Fire Prevention

A pickup truck towed a fire safety trailer into the parking lot of the Monroe Volunteer Fire station on Shelton Road (Route 110) Friday morning. Modeled to resemble a home, the trailer will teach children what to do in the event of a fire during the Monroe Fire Co.'s annual open house this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Firefighter Sam Zack, chairman of the Open House Committee, was able to borrow the trailer from the Westport Fire Department.

"We haven't had it in a couple of years," he said. "This year's Fire Prevention Week is based on kitchen fires and this trailer has a kitchen."

The trailer also has a fog machine to simulate smoke. Children learn how to put their hands on a door inside the trailer to feel for heat and climb down a ladder under the window in the back to simulate an escape plan.

In addition to the trailer, Zack said this year's open house will feature a car fire demo with an extrication.

"Monroe EMS will take part in the extrication," he said. "It will be like a mock crash."

Touch a truck will allow visitors to climb up into fire engines and to check out other safety vehicles and equipment.

The arson canine from the State Fire Marshall's Office will be at the open house, Firefighter Cody Periera will deejay and fellow firefighter, Mark Lutz, will cook hot dogs in his Firehouse Hot Dogs cart.

The Ladies Auxiliary will have snacks and refreshments inside the firehouse.

On Friday morning, firefighters visited Monroe Elementary School to teach fire prevention and they plan to visit St. Jude School and Fawn Hollow next week. Zack said Sunday's open house will allow adults to have some hands on learning too.

"No matter what age a person is, they'll always learn something new," Zack said, "whether it's basic or what kind of fire extinguisher to use."