Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned

This was the theme for the 2009 National Fire Prevention Week.  Fire Prevention Week is always a busy week at the Mason City Fire Department.  Fire Prevention Week started as a day to remember and commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 9-10, 1871.  Fire Marshal Mark Christiansen and fire fighters from the Department visit preschools, elementary schools, businesses and care facilities throughout the week.   Of course, the best visits are the Mason City 3rd graders who all show up at the Station during Fire Prevention Week for a tour.  Chief Bob Platts brought back Fire Prevention Week activities at the Fire Station when he initiated the Open House on the Sunday before Fire Prevention Week in October 2003.  Since then, the Department has hosted children of all ages at the Fire Station for popcorn, fun and fire learning activities.  The Open House is now held on the Sunday after Fire Prevention Week.  Mark your calendars!!! Next year's Open House will be on Sunday, October 10, 2010 starting at 1:00 p.m.  Don't miss next year's event!!!

This year the Department commemorated and celebrated its 100th year as a career department (a department where everyone is paid and there are no volunteers).  In 1935, the City of Mason City was recognized as the smallest City in the country to have a career (or all paid) fire department.  On Sunday, October 4, 2009, the two civilian clerks of the Department hosted a "fire fighter family reunion".  All current and former fire fighters and their families and all descendants of the nine Fire Chiefs were invited to a dinner and a slide show program.  The event was funded by generous contributions from community members and the sale of commemorative t-shirts.  We can't wait for the next one in 2109!!!