By Charles Kim
WEST MILFORD – After a very successful first attempt last year, the Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Company #5 will hold its second Open House Oct. 14, Lt. Joe Ponzo Sr. said Tuesday.
“Last year’s event was a huge success and because of the overwhelming response we will be doing it again this year with more things for the kids and their parents to do,” Ponzo said. “Hundreds of people showed up and were amazed at all the things we do to keep our community safe, and that we all do it as volunteers with no questions asked.”
The free Open House is scheduled to take place from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 14 at the station, located at 776 Warwick Turnpike.
Ponzo said more than 500 people came to the event last year, and this year the company has expanded activities that can be enjoyed by residents of all ages.
The list of activities includes; a smoke house, consisting of a trailer filled with safe smoke to teach people how to react in case of a fire, a “ Jaws of Life” demonstrations consisting of several cars and SUVs demonstrating live extraction of crash dummies, live demonstration in a simulator showing how fireman safely bail out of a multi-story buildings, two house models where kids (and parents) can use a live fire hose to extinguish a house fire, rescue truck equipment demonstrations, kids (and parents) can climb into fire trucks and see what it’s like to be in the seat of an actual fire truck, demonstrations of various fire gear and apparatus.
Attendees can also meet the members of the department and enjoy free drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers during the event.
Located in the Hewitt section, the fire company formed in 1934 to help serve the 80-square miles of West Milford Township and was incorporated with the other five volunteer departments into one entity in 1978, according to the fire company’s website.
Each of the departments get some funding from the township, but each are independent organizations.
According to the company, fighting fires in the Upper Greenwood Lake area bring additional challenges such as no fire hydrants to provide water at the scene so that the water must be brought in by tankers.
The terrain and winding mountain roads also present challenges to the company, which also serves part of Vernon Township.