Fire engine rides, coloring contest highlight Upper Mountain open house

Fire engine rides, a live burn demonstration and hands-on challenges for attendees will join fire safety education and blood pressure checks on what promises to be an entertaining day Saturday, Oct. 4, when the Upper Mountain Fire Co. holds its annual Community Open House.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine on the company grounds at 839 Moyer Road. Scheduled as part of national Fire Prevention Week, this year's theme will be "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives - Check Yours Every Month!"

"In a fire, seconds count," Upper Mountain President Greg Sitek said. "Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out."

This year Upper Mountain also will hold a coloring contest for kids attending Lewiston schools, with five lucky winners getting a free fire engine ride to school. Children will be asked to submit one entry each with judging to be conducted by a vote of the fire company's members.

"Aim a fire hose on our target range, take the turnout gear challenge, have a courtesy blood pressure check, ride in a fire engine and watch Upper Mountain firefighters conduct a live burn exercise," Sitek said. "This free event is open to the public and refreshments will be served."

Upper Mountain Fire Company provides fire protection, technical rescue and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in the Town of Lewiston. The company responded to 1,368 calls for service in 2013, making it the busiest all-volunteer fire/rescue company in Niagara County.