Grand Junction Fire Department holds open house

ORCHARD MESA, Colo. ( KREX ) – It’s time to gear up. Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary students got a behind-the-scenes tour of their neighbor’s house, Fire House 4 of the Grand Junction Fire Department.

Shae McCurry, principal at Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary, states, “I’m really excited that we get to partner with our neighbor. This is a great community engagement opportunity for our kids and a great opportunity for them to learn interactively about fire safety.”

Two big groups of students had the opportunity to learn about first aid, helmet safety, fire prevention and fire safety. Officials say it’s best to teach them at a younger age.

Christie Caster, executive director of the Western Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, states, “So it’s so important to start teaching kids at a younger age about fire safety, about how to evacuate out of your home, about how to prevent fires, and make sure that they and their families feel very prepared if that were to happen.”

Ellis Thompson, community outreach specials for the city of Grand Junction’s Fire Department, states, “Last time we had a school burned down was 1952 the last time we had a house burned down was last night and so kids are really amazing ambassadors to bring those messages home, because they practice it so frequently at school, but really where we need it is at home.”

These kids are getting some excellent hands-on training, and what a better way to learn everything about fire safety at a firehouse right next door to them. One thing’s for sure is that they know exactly what to do when a fire is about to happen.

“I can hear behind me how excited they are about what they’re learning already, and that tells me the engagement that’s happening so far, they’re going to want to come home and tell their families all about what they learned, and that can also help encourage their parents to get to know more about fire prevention and safety,” McCurry states.

From the excitement of the students, everyone had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and learn about the important tools of a fire engine and explore the cab.

“This is such an honor to have all of our community partners here. As the fire department, we are really good at putting out fires, but when it comes to preventing fires, it takes all of us, and it takes our community knowing how to prevent those at home,” Thompson said.

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