Wantagh Fire Department hosts open house

To commemorate Fire Prevention Month and offer local folks safety tips, Wantagh Fire Department members hosted an open house on Oct. 22.

Residents of the Wantagh Fire District — which includes all of Wantagh, Seaford Harbor and parts of Levittown, East Meadow and Bellmore — were invited to the event, held at department headquarters. Public Information Officer Kevin Regan said that although it was rainy that Saturday afternoon, community members still came out to get an up-close look at fire equipment and apparatus. 

“The chiefs, officers and members of the Wantagh Fire Department would like to thank everyone for participating,” he said.  “We would like to encourage anyone who may be interested in joining or finding out more about the fire department to visit our website or stop by the fire station nearest to their home.”

Youngsters marveled at the Wantagh F.D. boat, fire and EMS ATVs, engines and ladder trucks, ambulances, a specialized high water rescue truck and a field communications unit. They also watched demonstrations with their parents and grandparents, learning what to do in the event of a dryer or stove/oven fire.  

EMS Squad personnel conducted blood pressure screenings and showed off one of the newest pieces of equipment: the Lucas CPR Assist Device. Regan described it as an electrically powered, life-saving piece of technology designed to provide effective chest compressions to someone in cardiac arrest; the device is “one of the most advanced pieces of medical equipment available,” he added.  

Certificates were given to children who participated in the annual fire prevention poster contest, which was held in all elementary schools within fire district borders. 

Regan said that there was also an interactive element to the event, as attendees had the chance to go through the smoke house exhibit and put out an imaginary fire with an electronic fire extinguisher. 

Representatives of multiple local organizations ran booths at the open house. The Explorers were on hand to answer questions about their youth program. The Wantagh Ladies Auxiliary provided snacks and information to residents of all ages.

Regan said that stormy skies remained clear enough for a live burn demonstration. A small wooden replica of a home was ignited to show how a fire progresses. As the fire burned, residents were told what to do in the event of a blaze.