Firefighters battle a blazing car fire, part of the car fire and extrication demo. The Garden City Fire Department has announced it will be holding its Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House this Sunday, October 2nd at Fire Headquarters on Stewart Avenue in the Village Hall Complex. The event begins at 12:00pm.

This year there will be several demonstrations pertaining to the Fire Service and Fire Prevention.

"Many people don't realize that they are at greater danger from fire at home than anywhere else," says Garden City Assistant Fire Chief Bill Graham. "Fortunately, there are many things residents can do to turn that around and make their homes safer. Fire Prevention Week is the time when we reach out to the community one-on-one, teaching people of every age how to prevent fires. This year, we'll be focusing in particular on candle fires, a serious and growing part of the fire problem."

Firefighters show children how to get out of a smoky bedroom safely. Fires can spread through a home rapidly, and in some cases, individuals may have as little as two minutes to escape to safety once the alarm sounds. The Garden City Fire Department encourages residents to use caution with lit candles, keep smoke alarms working and to leave immediately when a smoke alarm sounds.

Firemen give out fire safety information to residents. "Children at the event will be able to see the firefighting equipment and trucks up close," continued Chief Graham, "and will even be able to 'work' a real fire hose, receiving a souvenir photo to take home."

This year there are plenty of exciting demonstrations for residents to enjoy as they learn about fire safety. This year the popular truck company window rescue demo is back where firefighters will be lowered by rope off the roof and rescue a victim from a smoky window. The exciting Rescue Company car fire and extrication exorcise will show residents how rapid the Fire Department can remove trapped occupants of a car and extinguish a car fire. Chemical Company will show residents how to avoid a kitchen fire and Engine Company will give holiday safety tips.

"For all of our neighbors participating in the day's activities," concluded Assistant Chief Graham, "there will be Fire Prevention and Safety giveaways, informational brochures and, of course, refreshments will be served at our free barbeque. But most of all, they will have fun while getting an invaluable Fire Prevention education."