For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Media Advisory* Great Barrington Fire Department to Host Open House on Saturday

GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief Charles Burger and the Great Barrington Fire Department invite the community to the department’s open house this Saturday, where firefighters will conduct multiple demonstrations to inform the public on the different kinds of emergencies they encounter day to day.

WHEN

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE

Great Barrington Fire Station, 37 State Rd.

Parking will be available across the street at the old Impoco’s Video Store, 54 State Rd., and at the Southern Berkshire Court House, 9 Gilmore Ave. Handicap parking will be available at the fire station.

WHAT

Demonstrations will begin with tasks the department performs at structure fires, including how and why they force entry, vent roofs, and deploy and flow water through large hoses.

Firefighters will then conduct a rope rescue demonstration and conclude the day with a fully simulated extrication of a patient from a motor vehicle using the Jaws of Life.

Those in attendance will be able to try some of the activities hands-on, including forcing doors, flowing water through large hoses, and handling all their equipment.

Bystander CPR training will be offered throughout the day. Firefighters will also be available to answer questions about the station, equipment and operations.

Kids will have the opportunity to extinguish a simulated fire, try on firefighter gear, and tour the fire trucks. Handouts will include helmets, water bottles, and fire prevention material.

Free coffee, beverages and hot dogs will be provided by the Firefighter’s Association.

“We get questions all the time about what our equipment is for, or why we do things the way we do. We decided the best and most fun way to answer questions is through demonstrations,” said Chief Burger. “In my opinion, being a firefighter is the greatest job in the world and this is our opportunity to share it with everyone.”

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