Fire Prevention Night set outside Westmoreland Mall

Firefighters from across the county will pack up their gear and respond to Westmoreland Mall on Tuesday, but it won’t be for an emergency.

Instead, the group will be stationed outside the Hempfield facility to participate in the area’s 26th annual Fire Prevention Night hosted by Hempfield and Greensburg officials.

“We’re excited to really kickoff a fire prevention campaign that goes year-round,” said Hempfield Fire Chief Tony Kovacic. “This is one of the biggest events that we have and it’s a great opportunity to reach out to a great group of individuals.”

The event will run from 6-8 p.m..

Throughout the evening, attendees can view engine pumpers, ladder trucks, utility vehicles, command posts, rescue vehicles and 911 displays from stations across Westmoreland County. The Greensburg Bloodhound Team also will be present.

Greensburg Fire Chief Tom Bell noted that there will be a mock accident where firefighters will cut two cars apart. Fire extinguisher training also will take place.

There will be several activities for children, including a fire house. Hempfield and Greensburg will set up booths where they will hand out hats and coloring books.

In a normal year, about 80 fire departments are represented with about 100 trucks and apparatus. About 500 people typically attend.

“It’s a great thing every year,” Bell said. “It’s well attended and we hope people come out.”

The Fire Prevention Night was founded by former Greensburg Fire Chief Ed Hutchinson, who died in 2018, and Hempfield Township.

Related:

• 25th Fire Prevention Night scheduled for October at Westmoreland Mall

• Annual fire prevention night at Westmoreland Mall canceled due to covid-19

• Hempfield Night Out to bring together local law enforcement, first responders