Local activities planned for National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is recognized this year from Sunday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 12. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of our local Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department, and the department celebrated the milestone Aug. 3. The date was also declared “Thermopolis Volunteer Firefighter Day.”

The department currently has 30 firefighters and a fleet of vehicles that includes four Type 4 wildland engines, three Type 6 wildland engines, two Class A fire pumpers, one medical duty rescue fire and support unit, a 105-foot platform, a spare personnel carrier and an antique from 1932.

They have responded to 57 calls in 2019, as of Tuesday, and responded to 92 calls in 2018.

The theme for National Fire Prevention Week is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” During the week, firefighters will be visiting schools and other locations to speak and promote fire safety.

Visits will start on Monday, Oct. 7, at Ralph Witters Elementary from 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8 will see the firefighters at the Children’s Resource Center (CRC) at 8:30 a.m., Head Start at 9:15 a.m., Moms and Tots at 10:15 a.m., Hot Springs County Senior Center at 12:15 p.m., CRC at 1:15 p.m., the Pre-K program at 2 p.m. and NWBOCES at 2:45 p.m. A visit at Risen Son Christian School is scheduled from 1-2:20 p.m.

As in previous years, the department will also be hosting a variety of activities at Pizza Hut on Tuesday from 4-9 p.m. for people to explore and learn.

Firefighters will also be delivering pizzas and serving at the restaurant those same hours.

Wednesday, Oct. 9 firefighters will again be making visits, stopping by CRC at 8:30 a.m. the Risen Son Pre-K program at 9:30 a.m. at Storytime at Hot Springs County Public Library at 10:45 a.m.

For more information on fire danger and prevention, and National Fire Prevention Week, visit http://www.nfpa.org