- February 1, 2025
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Pint-sized firefighters crawled through smoke, put out house fires and reaped the rewards of their hard work with pizza, shaved ice and art projects.
Port Orange Fire and Rescue’s second annual open house on Saturday brought in dozens of children and their families to learn what it takes to be a firefighter.
Jordan Guido, the department’s public education specialist and emergency management coordinator, said her priority is ensuring children associate firefighters with positive experiences.
Children feel more comfortable asking questions, and rescue situations are easier when children know what to do, she said.
For instance, if a child’s home is on fire, it’s essential for them to recognize the firefighter’s voice and feel comfortable moving toward it, Guido said.
“The program teaches them that (firefighters) are there to protect,” she said.
Children practiced what they've learned at the open house.
The public education trailer was sparked outside the station.
While inside, the room simulated smoke conditions when a room is on fire, and children learned that they could crawl below the smoke to safety.
On the other side of the station, children tried the house fire simulator, where they aimed and sprayed a small hose into the windows of a small decoy home.
“I think it’s just as important as reading and adding two and two for children to learn about fire rescue,” Guido said.
Children also looked the part.
Everyone received a red firefighter hat and tried on youth-size bunker gear, which was possible thanks to a grant from Port Orange Family Days Community Trust, a local nonprofit organization that supports community programs financially.
Guido said firefighters continue to foster a good relationship with children outside of school and the fire station, including supporting Firefighters for Kids, a nonprofit organization founded by one of their own, which collects money to purchase school supplies for low-income schools and families.
Joe Wulfing, the department’s division chief, said firefighters enjoy interacting with children under casual circumstances.
Firefighters were walking throughout the event, answering questions and urging children to explore the firetrucks and occasionally honk the horn.
“It’s a great way for children to learn potentially life-saving skills while having fun,” Wulfing said.
