By Mike Morsch, Executive editor
The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company’s inaugural open house and membership drive went so well last year that the group is going to do it again this year, with the hope that it will be bigger and better and attract even more community members.
“Everybody had a good time last year,” said company Captain Charlie Smith. “It’s not a fundraiser, there is no money involved. It’s free. It’s Fire Prevention Week and this is our way of celebrating that.”
It’s a kid-friendly event that will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the firehouse, 2 S. Main St. in Cranbury.
Among the attractions will be a firefighter obstacle for children; a fire house where kids will be able to shoot water through windows and put out a simulated fire; an area where both adults and children will be taught how to use a fire extinguisher; aerial rides in a truck tower that goes up 100 feet into the air; and free food and drinks.
There will also be tours of the firehouse, and the company’s museum will be open, where visitors can see artifacts from the history of the company, which formed in 1898.
The company will also be looking to add volunteers to its ranks. Currently, it has about 25 active volunteers. There are no requirements to join, but within the first year, volunteers will have to be registered or have completed a Firefighter I training class, which includes a minimum of 180 hours of training.
“We always need new members. People come into town that have lived in the city all their lives and don’t even know we’re a volunteer organization,” said Captain Smith.
Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record, according to the National Fire Protection Association website.
Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours. One quarter of home fire deaths are caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den. Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, according to the website.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer member can visit the company’s website at www.cranburyfire.org or call 609-395-0633 for more information. Membership applications are available to download as well.
“We had a pretty good turnout last year and we’re hoping for even more participation from the town this year,” said Captain Smith.
