Flint Fire Department Putting Flint Students to the Test for Fire Prevention Week

      October 11, 2016 (Flint, Mich) — Did you know this is national Fire Prevention Week? Flint Fire Chief, Raymond Barton and members of the Flint Fire Department have planned several activities in honor of this very important time. They began with honoring their own Monday, showing appreciation for firefighters who have gone above and beyond putting their lives on the line to help save Flint residents in recent house fires. For the remainder of this week, firefighters will focus on educating students from Flint schools teaching them the dos and don’ts of fire prevention in hopes of keeping them out of similar situations.

Today, fourth and fifth graders from Doyle Ryder Elementary School were invited to Fire Station 1 to meet firefighters and learn firsthand about the important job they do. Students were taught about kitchen safety and they got to experience what many firefighters face when they have to make their way through a smoked-filled room to find someone who needs to be rescued.

Mayor Weaver stopped by just as the students were finding out how difficult it is to handle a fire hose and maneuver it just right so the water gets where it needs to be.

“Wow, this is a really great experience,” said Mayor Weaver. “To see what firefighters go through and all they do is really eye-opening. It takes a special person to do this kind of work. It makes me appreciate the firefighters serving the City of Flint even more.”

Wednesday and Thursday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. a different group of students will have a chance to learn safe practices in the event of a fire at home and get a taste of what firefighters do during search and rescue. Friday the department will hold its second annual “Firefighter for a Day” event. High school students will participate in a variety of demonstrations with fire trucks, fire hoses, extrication tools, first responder equipment, bunker gear and more.  Students will also learn the history of the Flint Fire Department and gain experience through group training and fire prevention activities. The one day camp will be lead by the department’s Training Division and assisted by firefighting personnel.

On Saturday, Flint residents are invited to visit the fire station in their ward for a “Community Open House” from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Firefighters will be on hand to answer fire safety related questions. Residents will be able to sign-up for a smoke alarm install. There will be free food and lots of fun! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Flint Fire Station Locations:

Fire Station #1:    310 E. Fifth St
Fire Station #3:    1525 M.L. King Blvd.
Fire Station #5:    3402 Western Rd.
Fire Station #6:    716 W. Pierson Rd.
Fire Station #8:    202 E. Atherton Rd.