Mountainside Fire Open House Teaches Fire Safety With Burning Dollhouse

The Mountainside Fire Department held its fifth annual open house on Friday, Oct. 9, at Fire Headquarters on New Providence Road. The event ran from 7 to 9 p.m. Union County Life has the details from the department’s post, with additional reporting from TAPinto Mountainside and Mountainside TV.

A burning dollhouse demonstration ran for nearly 20 minutes and showed how fire behaves. Other activities included bubbles, cornhole, and chances to spray water.

Fire Chief Edward Kweselait said the turnout was strong, even though the event had only just started. “I think the turnout is fabulous considering we just started only a few minutes ago,” Kweselait said. “The community comes together.”

The department also visited Beechwood School during Fire Prevention Week. The mother of a Beechwood student said, “I think it’s important to support volunteers. Learning more about fire safety at every age is so critical.”

Charging devices. Kweselait urged residents to be careful about what they charge at home and never to leave devices unattended. “When you’re finished charging, make sure you unplug it,” he said. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends using the manufacturer’s supplied or approved charging equipment and charging on a hard surface.

Designated meeting place. Kweselait also urged families to pick a spot outside the home where everyone gathers after leaving a fire. NFPA recommends a place a safe distance from the house, such as a mailbox, a light pole or a neighbor’s home. “Always close doors behind you,” he said.

Candles. NFPA advises putting out candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Candles should sit in sturdy holders and stay away from anything that can burn. Never leave a child alone with a burning candle.

Firefighter Saverio Zipeto, a department member for 10 years, offered short advice: “Don’t play with matches.”

Escape tools. AAA testing found that some escape tools can break tempered side windows. None of the tools tested broke laminated glass.

Fire Company President Dan Clark marked 50 years with the department in February. He said electric vehicle fires have changed how firefighters work. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of good people over the last 50 years,” Clark said. “Without your volunteers, you really wouldn’t have a fire department.”

Jayden Miller, a Union resident, joined the department in May. He demonstrated a training door that firefighters use to practice gaining entry during emergencies. “I just wanted to give back to the community,” Miller said.

New members are welcome. The department welcomes prospective members, including residents of neighboring communities. Interested applicants can stop by on a Monday evening to speak with the chief or a senior member about applying and the training involved. The department’s phone number is 908-233-1047.

Find more Mountainside events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

Q: What did the Mountainside Fire Department do at its open house?
A: The fifth annual open house on Oct. 9 included a burning dollhouse demonstration that ran for nearly 20 minutes, along with bubbles, cornhole, and chances to spray water.

Q: What charging safety tips did the fire chief give?
A: Fire Chief Edward Kweselait said residents should be careful about what they charge at home, never leave devices unattended, and unplug devices once they are charged. NFPA recommends using manufacturer-supplied or approved charging equipment on a hard surface.

Q: How can I join the Mountainside Fire Department?
A: Interested applicants can stop by on a Monday evening to speak with the chief or a senior member about applying and the training involved. Residents of neighboring communities are welcome. The department’s phone number is 908-233-1047.

Q: What should families do after escaping a fire?
A: Kweselait urged families to choose a designated meeting place outside the home, a safe distance away, such as a mailbox, a light pole or a neighbor’s home.