October is National Fire Prevention Month, and fire departments across Morris County are getting ready to welcome local families!
Firehouse open houses and Fire Prevention Month events give kids a chance to meet our real-life local heroes, climb aboard or get an up-close look at fire trucks, explore the firehouse, see firefighting equipment in action, and learn what firefighters do every day to keep our communities safe. And let's face it — for a kid who loves big trucks, flashing lights and firefighters, it doesn't get much better!
But between the trucks, demonstrations and fun, there's an important message.
🔥 Fire Safety Is Serious Business
Fire safety is certainly no joke, but it also doesn't have to be scary for kids. Knowledge and preparation can make a huge difference in an emergency. October is the perfect time for families to talk about what to do if there's a fire — and, even more importantly, to actually practice it.
Does everyone in your house know two ways out? Do your kids know they should get out and stay out rather than going back inside for a favorite toy, pet or anything else? And once everyone is outside, where will you meet?
Pick a family meeting spot that's a safe distance from your home — a neighbor's driveway, mailbox, street sign or another easy-to-remember landmark. Then practice getting there together.
It's also a great time to make sure smoke alarms are working, kids recognize what an alarm sounds like, and everyone knows to stay low and go if there's smoke.
🚒 Meet Morris County's Firefighters
One of the best ways to make fire safety less intimidating for children is to let them meet firefighters before there's ever an emergency. A firefighter wearing full protective gear, helmet and breathing equipment can look and sound very different from the person kids meet at an open house.
That's one reason we love these community events. Kids can meet firefighters, ask questions and learn about their equipment in a fun, relaxed environment.
Sunday, October 4, 10:30am-1:30pm
Annual Open House
Lake Hiawatha Fire Dept, 39 N Beverwyck Rd
Sunday October 4, 12-3pm
Annual Open House
Whippany Fire Department, 10 Troy Hills Rd
Thursday, October 8 - 6-8pm
Kids Night at the Firehouse
Morris Township, Fairchild Firehouse, 20 Dwyer Lane
Includes balloon artist and snacks!
Saturday, October 10, 9am-1pm
Open House - Bounce House, Cotton Candy & More
Butler Fire House, 26-28 Carey Ave
Saturday, October 10, 10-11:30am
Meet & Greet with District 4 Firefighters
Lake Hiawatha Library, 68 Nakomis Ave
Saturday, October 10, 1-4pm
Boonton New Fire Apparatus Open House
Engine Co 3, 100 Washington St.
Saturday, October 24, 9am-2pm
Antique Fire Truck Muster
NJ Fireman's Home, 565 Lathrop Ave, Boonton
Sunday, October 25, 2pm Start, 3pm Costume Contest
Halloween Celebration & Fire Prevention Open House
Denville Fire Dept, 2 Indian Road
So grab the kids and check out some of the 2026 Morris County Fire Prevention Month open houses, demonstrations and family events below. You'll have some fun, see some seriously cool trucks — and probably head home knowing a little more about keeping your family safe.
🔥 Learn the plan. 🚒 Meet the heroes. ❤️ Stay safe, Morris County
Do you know of other events we should include? Email us at sandyn@macaronikid.com
