Above: SFD is inviting the public to its Open House on Heritage Day. (image of flyer)
When my kids were little, fun at the Fire Station was one of their favorite Heritage Day highlights. So, I’m excited to share that this Monday, the Southborough Fire Department is bringing the fun back!
The SFD is holding an open house from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on Heritage Day, October 14th. I spoke to Lt. Brittaney Doane about the what they have in store for the public.
Personnel will be giving tours of the fire station section of the Public Safety Building and offering “live demos”.
The demo that’s the biggest hit with kids is the chance (with help) to use a fire hose to put out a house fire. (Don’t worry, they’re not really setting houses ablaze. They’ll use the SFD’s prop house with “flames” to knock down in the windows, pictured right.)
Older tour participants may be more interested in seeing how firefighters use a thermal imaging camera to identify people and objects in smoke filled spaces. (That will take place in the training tower.)
Other free fun includes face painting, snacks, and giveaways.
But the biggest draw for many is the classic — all of the big fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue vehicles. That will include the antique engine which is kept in the garage.
This year, they’ll also be pulling out and highlighting old Engine 25. The Southborough Fire Association purchased and brought back to town a truck that was used for about 30 years beginning in the late 60’s.
When the SFD shared news in August 2023, the plan was to seek funding to research the possibility of restoring the vehicle to parade-quality condition in time for the Town’s 2027 Tricentennial. They may be seeking Community Preservation Act funding for that at the next Annual Town Meeting. On Monday, the community can learn more about the truck and its history. (You can also read more here.)
The station is located at 32 Cordaville Road. The fire station’s parking lot is likely to fill up, but you can use the parking lot at Woodward School next door and walk over.
