Clayton Fire Rolls Out the Red Carpet

Ever wonder how it feels to sit behind the wheel of a shiny red fire truck? Want to watch up-close as firefighters try to cut through twisted steel just like they would when they rescue someone from a car crash? Care to cuddle up to Lucy, the official Clayton Fire dog or Sparky, the Fire Safety Dog?

Families did all that and more at the annual Clayton Fire Department Open House on Sunday, October 14, 2012. From 2 pm. to 4 p.m., visitors toured around Fire Station One on West Horne Street as firefigthers showed off all of the amazing equipment they use to respond to emergencies. It was a chance for the community, young and old alike, to learn about their local fire department and all of Clayton's first responders.

Firefighters conducted an "extraction" demonstration on Fire Rescue Drive. They walked through exactly how they are able to free someone from a mangled car crash and get them to the hospital quickly.

Members of the Clayton Police Department, the local EMS team, the Sheriff's Department, the Forestry Service and the 911 Center all gave visitors a glimpse into how they help respond to emergencies as well.

The open house coincided with Fire Prevention Month, which is recognized every October by fire departments across the country. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, that tragic blaze in 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. For more than a century since, firefighters have been working to help educate the public on preventing such tragedies.

Clayton firefighters make public education one of their top priorities. All year long they visit schools, daycares, churches and other organizations to inform the public on fire safety and prevention. Think you know a lot about fire? Take this fun fire prevention quiz!

For more information on Fire Prevention please head to http://www.nfpa.org