Kids train like Firefighters to kick off fire prevention week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Downtown South Bend's October First Fridays on Oct. 2 served as the kickoff to Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4–10. The South Bend Fire Department set up along Michigan Street, which was closed to traffic for the event.

Crews brought a fire truck, a ladder truck with its ladder extended and a flag hanging from it, and an ambulance. They also brought a fire safety trailer that simulates smoke inside a home to teach families the importance of having an escape plan.

Children ran a firefighter obstacle course. They carried a rolled-up hose, moved a rescue dummy, and sprayed water from a hose connected to a fire hydrant. Firefighters also ran a prize wheel that awarded free fire safety giveaways, and staff were on hand to talk with families. Food and other vendors set up across the street.

Assistant Chief Derek Erquhart says this was the second year the department partnered with First Fridays. The event draws people downtown and gives firefighters a chance to reach them. Erquhart tells ABC57 teaching fire safety starts with children but matters for adults too. 

"We hear a lot that it it's not gonna happen to me, or I've done this for years and I've never had a problem. You know, as many times as we use an outlet or use a cord to plug our computer in or our phone, 99% of the time it's going to work correctly and everything is going to do what it's supposed to do. But there's always that one time." says Erquhart.

Erquhart says residents, churches, community buildings and apartment buildings can request fire safety education from the department or participate in the department's smoke alarm program.