Downers Grove Fire Department Hosts 'Night at the Firehouse'

The Downers Grove Fire Department will host its annual "Night at the Firehouse" on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in conjunction with national Fire Prevention Week.

The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Station 5, 6701 Main St.

Residents are invited to take a tour of the station, see demonstrations of automobile extrication and rescue techniques, and get acquainted with the various uniforms and protective gear worn by firefighters during the popular "Firefighter Fashion Show."

Guests will also learn how quickly a fire can spread and the effectiveness of residential sprinklers when firefighters present a side-by-side room demonstration.

"Freddie," a robot fire truck will be on hand at the event, and a fire safety trailer will be operating to help children practice escaping from fires. Children can practice making 911 calls with real Downers Grove emergency dispatchers.

During Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 6-12 this year, the Downers Grove Fire Department will also participate in the 19th annual Silent Parade, which pays tribute to fallen firefighters.  All vehicles will display lights only; no sirens will be sounded.

The parade will begin in Hinsdale at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and pass through Downers Grove at Main and Maple at approximately 7:15 p.m.  People may assemble along Maple Avenue to view the parade and pay tribute by holding a flashlight as the cortege passes.

The night will conclude with a memorial service and tribute to firefighters at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, just south of Route 53 and Maple Avenue.