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Firefighters turn on sirens to promote fire prevention

As Connor Boerboom, center, tries out an oxygen mask, fireman Matt Norby, left, tightens a strap and a fellow firefighter adjusts the regulator on the equipment during the Ghent Fire Department Open House on Monday evening.

MARSHALL — Siren blared through the city of Marshall on Sunday as the Marshall Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week.

The firetruck sirens were part of Operation E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The House), which serves as a reminder of the importance of planning a fire escape route. As the Marshall Fire Department went up and down the street in the community, residents were asked to turn on their outdoor light to signify that they have practiced exit drills.

Fire Prevention Week is also a good time to remind people to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors.

The Marshall Fire Department is also hosting an Open House from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday. Along with a hamburger and hot dog feed ($4 per person), there will be opportunities to view the North Memorial helicopter, Marshall Police car, chemical assessment team and Pluggie the robot.

The Kiddie Express will be offering rides throughout the Open House, while North Ambulance Service is sponsoring a free blood pressure clinic. An auto extractor demonstration is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m.

Fire Prevention Week poster contest winners will also be posted at the fire hall. Attendees can also check out the smoke trailer.

On Monday, the Ghent Fire Department hosted its Open House from 5:30-8 p.m. Refreshments were served and department members spoke about the importance of fire safety. Operation E.D.I.T.H. commenced at 8:15 p.m.

The Lynd Fire Department sponsored a coloring contest for Lynd Public School students. Along with conducting Operation E.D.I.T.H. tonight, the fire department is opening its doors to the public on Thursday and Friday in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

The Balaton Fire Department is having an Open House from 5-7 p.m. today. Balaton Fire Department members will be conducting kitchen grease fire demonstrations.

The Minneota Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, starting at 5 p.m. Burgers will be served and fire truck rides will be given. Operation E.D.I.T.H. is slated to begin at 8 p.m. The Marshall Fire Department smoke house will also be on site.

On Thursday and Friday, preschool classes will tour the Minneota Fire Hall.

The Granite Falls Fire Department Open House is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday. Complimentary hot dogs and chips will be provided to attendees. The fire department will also be showcasing its firetrucks and new equipment.

Kids in attendance will be given fire safety handouts. In addition, free batteries will be handed out as part of the effort to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

Operation E.D.I.T.H. will go into effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Tracy. Members of the Tracy Fire Department are urging families to participate in the home fire and emergency drill. After completing the escape plan, families are asked to turn their front porch light on so passing firemen know that you’ve completed the safety drill.

Tracy Fire Department members will also be giving educational tours and demonstrations to preschoolers and elementary students at St. Mary’s and Tracy Area Elementary School this week.

The Ivanhoe Fire Department isn’t necessarily hosting a public Open House, but has plans to open its doors for scheduled visits from preschoolers on Thursday and K-6 students from Lincoln Elementary on Friday.

The Cottonwood Fire Department is hosting its Open House from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Saturday. Lunch will be served and there will be kids activities that will take place.

More information regarding Operation E.D.I.T.H. and Fire Prevention Week can be found at: http://www.operationedith.com/ and www. FPW.org. Sparky the fire dog also offers advice through games, videos and other activities that can be found at: www.sparky.org.

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