Fire Department Holds Annual Open House

On Sunday, Oct.19, the Belliingham fire station opened its doors to the public for the third annual open house. The event has drawn big crowds in previous years, with fifteen hundred visitors the first year, and over three thousand visitors last year.  Chief Steven Gentile expected a big crowd this year, too, and there was plenty to do and see. In addition to having the fire trucks and ambulances open for viewing, the station was expecting a visit from Smokey Bear, and National Honor Society students from BHS provided face painting.

The fire-hose game is always a big hit, and kids stood in line to use the hose to put out a fake cardboard fire.  Dunkin’ Donuts donated coffee and doughnuts for the event, and Papa Gino’s donated pizzas. There were goody bags on hand that included plastic fire helmets, and Bellingham Parts Plus donated a car for a planned demonstration of extracting a dummy victim by cutting through the roof of the car.

Chief Gentile has planned this event for the last three years to coincide with Fire Prevention Week in October.  It’s important to him that the taxpayers are able to see what their money is supporting, and meet the men and women of the department.  Though the event is held at the department in Blackstone Street, there is also a second fire station in south Bellingham open twenty-four hours a day.  The department also works with the school and community on fire prevention efforts and public education programs.