guides

York County Fire Prevention Month Events and Activities

By Sarah Frane Editor-Publisher Macaroni Kid York September 24, 2026

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 County, local fire companies and first responders 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 York County. Check out our list below start exploring! 

Please Note This Is a Living Guide!

We're continuing to add to this list as more York 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: 

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.

Wrightsville Fire Department Fire Prevention Open House

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6–8 PM
Wrightsville Fire Department
125 S. 2nd Street, Wrightsville

Head to Wrightsville for an evening of fire prevention activities, demonstrations and family fun!

Families can learn important fire-safety skills, including how to stop, drop and roll, while getting an up-close look at emergency response equipment.

The evening will feature fire prevention demonstrations, a vehicle extrication demonstration, fire truck rides, games and activities for the whole family.

Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Company Open House & Food Truck Friday

Friday, October 9, 2026 | 5–8 PM
Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Company

Join your local first responders for the annual Open House & Food Truck Friday!

The Open House runs from 6–8 PM, giving families a chance to meet local firefighters, tour the fire station, take a ride on a fire truck and check out the department's brand-new rescue vehicle, "Squadzilla 2.0."

Food trucks and games will be available from 5–8 PM, with food from Sons of Sicily, plus Perry's Ice Cream and Perry's Orangeade.

It's a fun way to meet the firefighters who serve the community while enjoying an evening of food, games and family fun!

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.

Southern Area Fire & Emergency Rescue Open House

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10 AM–2 PM
Southern Area Fire & Emergency Rescue (SAFER)
50 S. School Place, Dallastown

Stop by for a free, family-friendly day of community fun and fire-safety education at Southern Area Fire & Emergency Rescue!

Families can meet local firefighters and emergency staff while learning important fire-prevention and home-safety tips. SAFER serves communities throughout Dallastown, Yoe, Yorkana, York Township, Windsor Township and surrounding areas

North Codorus Township Fire Company Open House

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10 AM–2 PM
North Codorus Township Fire Company

Stop by the North Codorus Township Fire Company for an afternoon of fire prevention, emergency equipment and family activities.

Families can meet local firefighters, learn more about fire safety and get an up-close look at the equipment used by their local fire company.

Check with the fire company for additional event details and activities before heading out.

Laurel Fire's Annual Fire Prevention Open House

Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 12:30–3 PM
Laurel Fire 94 Schoolhouse Lane, Windsor

Rain or shine, Laurel Fire is opening its doors for its 4th Annual Fire Prevention Open House!

There will be activities both inside and outside, with plenty of opportunities for kids and families to learn about fire safety while having some fun.

Returning this year are the popular fire extinguisher trainer, kids' fire hose trainer and pumpkin decorating. New for 2026, families can check out a 2026 Pierce fire engine and participate in a rubber duck race!

Information will be available on a variety of fire-safety topics, and there will also be free raffles, including fire extinguishers and a weather station.

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.