Tuscarawas County, Ohio -  Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, and area fire departments will be marking this year’s nationwide observance with special activities and safety demonstrations throughout the week.

Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance in the U.S., established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. The weeklong observance commemorates the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871. The blaze destroyed an estimated 17,400 structures, killed more than 250 people and left approximately 100,000 residents homeless.  

Throughout the week, local fire departments will be sharing information to help children and adults learn how to prevent fires and how to stay safe in the event that a fire should occur. 

An overview of the events and activities planned for the week is listed below. For fire facts, safety tips and resources, visit the National Fire Prevention Association’s Fire Prevention Week website.

2018 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK EVENTS

Sunday, October 7

2 p.m. - Dover Fire Department Stop Drop and Roll 5K

• Where: Dover Fire Station @ 116 E. 3rd St., Dover
• What: This 5K race is part of the Ohio Challenge Series and begins at 2 p.m. A  kids 1-mile fun run kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will be used to support the smoke detector program for Dover 3rd grade students and provide fire safety information for the Dover elementary schools. Same-day registration begins at noon, and participants can also sign up online at https://ohiochallengeseries.enmotive.com/events/register/stop-drop-and-roll-5k

5 to 7 p.m. - Dover Fire Department Open House

• Where: Dover Fire Station @ 116 E. 3rd St., Dover
• What: Tour the station and enjoy activities including the kids' fire safety education house and kids firefighter agility course.

Monday, October 8

5 to 8 p.m. - Dennison Fire Department Open House

• Where: Dennison Fire Station @ 302 Grant St., Dennison
• What: Enjoy free refreshments while visiting with Dennison safety forces and learning important fire safety information. There will be equipment and smokehouse demonstrations, a fire safety trailer, and a bounce house for the kids. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the fire station, spray the fire hose, try on turnout gear, and visit with Firepup the fire safety dog. Free hot dogs and dessert will be served. 

Tuesday, October 9

6 to 8 p.m. - Uhrichsville Fire Department Open House

• Where: Uhrichsville Fire Station @ 305 E. 2nd St., Uhrichsville
• What: Tour the station and learn about fire safety equipment. Enjoy demonstrations and refreshments.

Thursday, October 11

5 to 8 p.m. New Philadelphia Fire Department Open House

• Where: New Philadelphia Fire Station @ 134 Front Ave. SE, New Philadelphia
• What: Stop by the station for an evening of demonstrations and activities. Attendees will enjoy food and games courtesy of Lowe’s Home Improvement and have an opportunity to meet New Philadelphia Firefighters and tour the station. 

5 to 8 p.m. New Philadelphia Fire Department Firefighter for a Day photo contest

• Where: New Philadelphia Fire Station @ 134 Front Ave. SE, New Philadelphia
• What: Parents are invited to take photos of their children enjoying the event and email them NewPhilaFireDept@gmail.com to enter them in the online photo competition. Entries will be posted on social media, and the four children whose photos receive the most likes will be treated to a firetruck ride, private tour of the station and pizza party. 

6 to 8 p.m. Strasburg Fire Department Open House - 6 to 8 p.m.

• Where: Strasburg Fire Station @ 125 2nd St. NE, Strasburg
• What: Stop by and meet the staff and learn more about fire safety and the equipment the department uses every day. Check out the EMS and automotive extrication demonstrations and enjoy free hot dogs and popcorn courtesy of the station.

Friday, October 12

5 to 8 p.m. - Sugarcreek Fire Department Open House

• Where: Sugarcreek Fire Station @ 152 N Broadway St
• What: Tour the fire station and learn more about the department’s fire and rescue equipment. There will be an obstacle course, demonstrations, and a bounce house. Refreshments will be provided. 

Did we miss an event? Let us know! Email news@tusco.tv