October is Fire Prevention Month, making it a great time for families to learn about fire safety, meet the firefighters who serve our communities, explore fire trucks and emergency equipment, and practice important safety skills together.
Throughout York and Adams Counties, local fire companies, first responders, libraries and community organizations are opening their doors and hosting special events where families can learn about fire prevention in fun, hands-on ways.
We've gathered upcoming fire safety events, open houses and firefighter-focused activities happening around the area. Check out our list below and start exploring!
Please Note: This Is a Living Guide!
We're continuing to add to this list as more York and Adams County fire companies, libraries and community organizations announce their 2026 Fire Prevention Week events, open houses and family activities.
Check back often—more events will be added as information becomes available!
Event dates, times and activities are subject to change. Please check with the hosting organization before heading out.
Have a fire safety event you'd like to see included? We'd love to hear about it!
Please email sarahfrane@macaronikid.com with your event information, including the date, time, location and any activities you'd like families to know about.
2026 Schedule
🚒 Adams County Fire Safety Events
Irishtown Fire Company Public Safety Open House
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 1–5 PM
Irishtown Fire Company
934 Irishtown Road, New Oxford
Adams County families can head to the Irishtown Fire Company for its 4th Annual Public Safety Open House!
This year's event is packed with activities, including two air medical helicopters, Sparky the Fire Dog, a bounce house and slide, water target houses, hats and activity bags for kids, a vehicle rescue demonstration and a live sprinkler burn demonstration.
It's a great chance for kids to meet local first responders, see emergency equipment up close and learn more about fire and emergency safety.
Gettysburg Fire Department Fire Prevention Open House
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 12–2 PM
Gettysburg Fire Department
35 North Stratton Street, Gettysburg
Get ready for a fun and interactive afternoon of fire-safety learning at the Gettysburg Fire Department's FREE Open House!
Kids can participate in the Fire Prevention Passport to Safety, visiting interactive stations throughout the event. Collect nine stamps on your passport and you'll be entered into a prize drawing.
Stations will cover everything from calling 911 and stop, drop and roll to fire-hose fun, a kids' obstacle course, kitchen safety, smoke alarms, home fire drills, lithium-ion battery safety and more.
Families can also check out the fire safety trailer, learn about emergency preparedness from the Red Cross, visit the fire museum, participate in child car-seat checks and see a fire extinguisher demonstration from Gettysburg College.
The Pennsylvania DCNR Forestry Department will also be on hand with Smokey Bear to talk about campfire and wildfire safety.
🔥 York County Fire Safety Events
Airville Volunteer Fire Company Fire Apparatus Muster
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM
Airville Volunteer Fire Company
3576 Delta Road, Airville
You don't have to wait until October to get your fire-safety fun started! The Airville Volunteer Fire Company is hosting its 13th Annual Fire Apparatus Muster, featuring antique and modern fire apparatus, a pumping contest, firefighter skills, food, music and activities for families.
It's a fun opportunity for kids who love fire trucks and emergency vehicles to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use.
Friendship Hose Company First Responder Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11 AM–3 PM
Friendship Hose Company #1
73 S. Main Street, Spring Grove
Come meet the people who help keep our communities safe during First Responder Day!
Families can check out emergency vehicles and equipment, meet local firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel, and learn about fire safety through hands-on activities.
The event will include a live vehicle extrication demonstration, a fire extinguisher simulator, the Hanover Fire Museum and plenty of opportunities for kids to get an up-close look at the world of emergency response.
York Area United Fire & Rescue Fire Prevention Open House
Monday, October 5, 2026 | 5–8 PM
York Area United Fire & Rescue – Station 891
50 Commons Drive, York
It's time to learn all about fire prevention at the York Area United Fire & Rescue Fire Prevention Open House!
Families can meet local firefighters, explore the station and learn more about keeping their homes and families safe.
The event will also feature free car-seat checkups provided by Safe Kids York County, giving parents another opportunity to tackle an important family-safety task while they're there.
Fire Safety Story Time & Activity
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 12–1 PM
Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock
For Grades K–5
Celebrate Fire Safety Week at the Hufnagel Public Library with a special Fire Safety Story Time and Activity!
Kids will learn about fire-safety practices, how to identify safe versus unsafe actions, and important safety rules through activity stations and crafts. It’s a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn how to stay calm and make smart choices in an emergency.
Registration is encouraged.
Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company Open House & Car Show
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9 AM–2 PM
Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company
31 Berlin Street, Spring Grove
Head to Jefferson for the JVFC Open House & Auto Cosmetics Car Show!
In addition to checking out the cars, families can stop by the fire company, meet local firefighters and learn more about the equipment and services provided by their local volunteer department.
Dover Township Volunteer Fire Department Fire Prevention Open House
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 6–9 PM
Dover Township Volunteer Fire Department
3700 Davidsburg Road, Dover
This one is packed with activities for kids!
The Dover Township Volunteer Fire Department's Fire Prevention Open House will feature a touch-a-truck, smoke-house simulator, vehicle extrication demonstration and a fire-safety scavenger hunt.
Kids can also enjoy face painting, a bounce house and games, while families grab something to eat from the food trucks.
And don't miss the chance to dunk firefighters and police officers!
It's a fun way for kids to meet local first responders while learning some seriously important safety lessons.
Science of Fire & Fire Safety at the Library
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 3:30–5 PM
Collinsville-Brogue Library
Fire safety isn't just for the fire station!
York County Libraries is hosting Science of Fire & Fire Safety, where children ages 5–12 can learn about what creates fire and how to stay safe around it.
The program will include fiery science experiments and a visit from the local fire department.
Registration is required. This particular program is currently listed as full, but families can keep an eye on the York County Libraries calendar for additional fire-safety programs and activities.
Make Fire Safety a Family Activity
While you're out meeting firefighters and checking out the trucks, October is also a great time to practice your family's fire escape plan at home.
Make sure everyone knows:
🔥 Two ways out: Identify two possible ways to escape from every room, when possible.
🚨 What the alarm sounds like: Make sure kids recognize the sound of your smoke alarms.
🏠 Where to meet: Pick a family meeting spot safely away from the house.
🚪 Stay outside: Once you're out, stay out. Never go back inside a burning home.
🧯 What to do in an emergency: Talk with kids about when to get out and when to call 911.
🔋 Charging safely: Talk to older kids about safely charging phones, tablets, toys, laptops and other devices that use rechargeable batteries.
Most importantly, keep the conversation age-appropriate and positive. Visiting a fire station or meeting firefighters in a community setting can help make fire safety less intimidating and give kids the confidence to know what to do if an emergency ever happens.
