After being canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic, the annual Fire Prevention Night at Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield is set to return in October.
Scheduled for Oct. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the event brings together fire stations from across Westmoreland County to teach the community about fire safety.
During the event, attendees can view engine pumpers, ladder trucks, utility vehicles, command posts, rescue vehicles and 911 displays. Live demonstrations will be held.
In a normal year, about 80 fire departments are represented with about 100 trucks and apparatus. About 500 people typically attend.
Hempfield Fire Chief Tony Kovacic said last year that the Fire Prevention Night was called off because of the size of the event and the status of the pandemic. Instead, the township issued public service announcements throughout October to promote fire prevention.
Greensburg also held an alternate event last year. In October, the fire department hosted six simultaneous mini-parades during which vehicles from each station drove through local neighborhoods, distributing plastic fire hats, coloring books and fire safety tips.
This year’s Fire Prevention Night will mark the 25th year for the event.
“Our goal is to have it this year,” said township manager Jason Winters.
The Fire Prevention Night was founded by former Greensburg Fire Chief Ed Hutchinson, who died in 2018, and Hempfield Township. The event is presented by the Hempfield Township Fire Department’s 11 stations and firefighters from Greensburg, South Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg.
This event will feature free hot dogs and drinks. It was not immediately clear which fire stations will participate.
