On Sunday, October 5, the University Heights Fire Department hosted an open house at the UH Firehouse in honor of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11.

Visitors got the chance to get up close to the UH Fire Department’s ladder truck, fire engine, rescue squad, command vehicle, and administrative vehicle. University Hospitals Rainbow and Babies Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, and the Eastside Technical Rescue Team trucks were at the open house, hosting educational tours.

The Cleveland Cavaliers 216 STYX hosted a drum demonstration at the event, while children’s activities included face painting, selfies with the UH ladder truck, and a fire hose demonstration. Attendees were encouraged to participate in fire safety demonstrations, health screenings, and community safety discussions.

The fire department hosted an aluminum can donation drive to benefit burned children in Ohio. UH Mayor Michael Brennan made an appearance, and the city of University Heights provided pizza and popcorn. Food trucks were also at the event.

The University Hospitals AirMed helicopter impressed the open house guests when it landed at nearby Walter Stinson Community Park. Guests were invited to tour the helicopter and learn about how patients are transported by air.