American Fork Fire Department heats up with annual open house

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Wrapping up Fire Prevention Week, the American Fork Fire Department hosted locals for its annual open house to educate the public on fire safety. Station 52 opened its doors, letting American Fork residents tour its living quarters and fire engines. Kids got to see what a firefighter’s day is like.

Lieutenant Stockton Brehms has been with AFFD for 3.5 years and calls his job the “best job ever.” He grew up at the fire station with his father, who now serves as the fire chief. The annual open house makes him grateful for the citizens of American Fork and helps him realize how cool the firefighting profession is. “You hear a lot of us say it’s the best job in the world and it really is,” said Brehms.

This year’s event focused on safe battery charging and preventing lithium-ion battery fires. Residents should learn the safe charging methods of hoverboards, e-scooters, and e-bikes. Brehms said that charging stations with multiple batteries can spark a fire, and overuse can also cause fires.

American Fork resident Tommy Anderson brought his two little boys to the fire station open house. “We come every year because they love seeing the fire trucks and they love seeing the firefighters. It’s important for them to learn safety and the things we should be doing,” said Anderson.

Kids enjoyed a variety of activities, including climbing inside the big trucks, seeing where firefighters eat and sleep, and choosing a piece of firefighting swag. Parents and kids enjoyed the experience.

Anderson recognizes that learning about safety events can be scary at times. The open house makes hands-on learning memorable and reduces anxiety about fires. “Doing something like this where you can learn about it, but it’s still exciting and fun, and it’s very beneficial and helpful to learn about things in an easy way that doesn’t bring fear into the equation.”

Visitors also toured an exhibit with short lessons on different kinds of fire safety measures. Residents were encouraged to keep fire alarms in every room where people sleep, test smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace old alarms. Homeowners should also have carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly. Children were encouraged not to touch lighters or matches, and if they find them, to have an adult put them away.

The exhibit also taught kitchen safety, such as keeping kids 3 feet from hot grills and stoves, turning pot and pan handles away from the edge of the stove, using appropriately sized lids to cover a fire, keeping fire extinguishers close, and understanding how to use them properly. Cool water is a first aid tool if someone gets burned. The exhibit also included a list on how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

For Candle Safety, the exhibit taught that lit candles should be at least 12” away from anything burnable and not to leave a burning candle unattended. People should use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting and make sure candles are in holders that will not tip or burn.

The exhibit also explained “EDITH,” which stands for Exit Fire Drills In The Home. Ideally, every room should have two ways out. When an alarm goes off, exit and stay low, going under the smoke. If you are behind a closed door, touch it to see if it’s hot; if it is, find another way out. Families should have a special meeting place in case of a fire and call 911. Residents should practice home fire drills twice a year, once during the day and once at night, and never return to a home during a fire for any reason, such as a pet, another person, or a special item.

Brehms expressed his gratitude for American Fork’s city manager, council, and mayor. Brehms said AFFD equipment is often the best in the state and comes from the city and its residents. “They support and we do our best every single day for them and the citizens. I really can’t emphasize it enough, we’re grateful,” added Brehms.

“Everything comes from the citizens of American Fork. This is our give back. We are just grateful for the people we serve and what they give to us,” shared Brehms.