Flanders Fire Department hosted its annual open house Sunday, offering demonstrations, education and family fun.
Southampton Fire Department’s smoke house was on scene to instruct children about fire safety and emergency escape from burning structure.
Firefighters taught kids and their parents how to use fire extinguishers. Kids got a chance to climb in and on fire trucks and use fire hoses.
They demonstrated use of the Hurst tool, known as the ‘Jaws of Life,’ a hydraulic cutting tool used to free trapped occupants in motor vehicles following accidents. ( See video.)
Firefighters also conducted a demonstration of how they extinguish a structure fire. They set fire to a donated storage trailer and then put out the blaze. Flanders Fire Chief Joe Pettit narrated the process, providing explanations of clothing and equipment worn and used by firefighters.
The department also had a demonstration of an automatic sprinkler system, which is activated when the interior temperature of the structure reaches 155 degrees.
“The sprinklers come on and knock down the fire, to save lives,” Pettit said. “They’re not intended to put out the fire or save the structure, but they will allow people to get out of the building,” he said.
Fire departments and their associations have been lobbying state lawmakers to pass a bill requiring automatic sprinkler systems for all new residential buildings. Currently they are required only in buildings that are three stories or taller, Pettit said.
Riverhead Fire Department will host its annual open house next Sunday (Oct. 4) beginning at 1 p.m.
RiverheadLOCAL photos and video by Denise Civiletti
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.