Approximately 2,000 people turned out last weekend to help kick-off Fire Prevention Week at an event hosted by the Malden Fire and Police Departments. The Third Annual Public Safety Day at Linden Park and School served to remind all to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” This year’s theme serves to educate the public about the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make and knowing that when an alarm sounds you must take action.
Families and residents participated in the free event which featured fun and interactive ways to learn about staying safe. There were “touch a truck” events where children climbed on fire engines and ladders, police cars, an ambulance and DPW trucks. Long lines formed at the smoke house where kids learned how to escape from a burning building. There were arts and crafts for children in the cafeteria sponsored by the Junior Aid Association of Malden where children also decorated pumpkins. There was a K-9 demonstration by the State Police Arson Squad and free pizza, hotdogs and goody bags. The Malden Board of Health conducted a Moderna vaccination clinic, and the Department of Public Works gave away trees for planting.
The event was also sponsored by Cataldo Ambulance, Malden Housing Authority, Malden Board of Health, Malden Redevelopment Authority, Malden DPW, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, Piantedosi Baking, Stop & Shop, City Councillors-At-Large Craig Spadafora and Steve Winslow, City Councillor Peg Crowe, Boston Medflight, and Malden Firefighters Local 902.
Fire Prevention Week is observed every October in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871 and killed more than 250 people, along with destroying more than 17,400 structures across 2,000 acres. In 1911, 40 years after the fire, the Fire Marshals Association determined that the anniversary of this fire should be observed annually to generate awareness about fire prevention.
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Pictured, from left:
Councillors-At-Large Craig Spadafora and Steve Winslow, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, Fire Chief Bill Sullivan, Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Captain Glen Cronin and Ward 4 Council Candidate Jeff Donahue