Orange FD open house lets kids play firefighter

Kids and families can learn how the real-life heroes work and live when the Orange Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association will host the annual Fire Prevention Month open house on Monday evening with free activities, games, and food for families.

The open house will be at Central Station from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 9. The station is at 501 North Seventh Street of Green Avenue in the Old Orange Historic District.

A bounce house will be set up for play and kids can demonstrate their artistic abilities with crafts. One of the popular activities is the kids agility course where they can go through firefighter maneuvers, including learning to hit a target with water from a hose.

The family-friendly event is open to the public of all ages includes tours of the two-story fire station. Firefighters stay at the station for 24-hour shifts with special living quarters and private bunks.

At the station's entrance is a display of a restored 1920 LaFrance fire engine that was purchased new by the Orange Volunteer Fire Department more than 100 years ago. Hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks will be served and door prizes awarded.

This year's National Fire Prevention slogan is "Cooking safely starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention."

More information about the open house and the Orange Fire Department are available through the department's business number at 409-883-1050.