Hamlin Township Fire Department hosted a Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday October 11, 2008 from 12 noon until 4:00 pm.  This Open House was organized by Darlene Smith, Fire Prevention Coordinator for Hamlin Township Fire.  “We saw just over 500 people come through our doors ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens,” said Darlene Smith.  Activities included  getting into a fire trucks, seeing the inside of an ambulance, fire extinguisher demonstrations, smoke house, spraying a fire hose, 911 operators, educational programs and a home escape plan booth.  All activities and food that included foot-long hotdogs, popcorn, frozen slushes and pop were free to all who attended.

Children and adults alike seemed to enjoy using the fire hose which allowed them to shoot water at a building with fake flames coming out of it.  Adults as well as children crawled through the smoke house and learned how to react if they were home and it filled with smoke.  People came from all over.  There were many door prizes handed out including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and flash lights.  According to Chief Hendrickson, there was a steady flow of people all day long and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Smith said, “Having an annual Fire Prevention Open House has been a great idea as it allows community members and others to see exactly what Hamlin Township Fire does.