With a variety of festive events and activities aimed at educating residents on safety, the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department (UVFD) is working to ensure everyone has a joyous and safe holiday.
Each year, the UVFD hosts a series of memorable events that unite the community while emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
Their most anticipated event is the Annual Santa Run, during which the fire trucks are decked out in twinkling lights, festive decorations, and even a surprise visit from Santa Claus, riding on top of the truck.
The Santa Run will take place December 16, 19, and 20 2024. They will go all around the Urbana community during the evening. The parade covers most of Urbana, and usually starts around 6:00 p.m. and lasts a couple of hours.
Marco Canzader (Class of 2026) said “I know they are active in the community and I am very excited to see the Santa from the Santa run.”
The parade is a favorite for children and adults alike. It offers a chance to see the fire trucks in action while getting into the holiday spirit.
Another popular event is the Toys for Tots Drive, which the UVFD organized as a national cause.
Firefighters collect donations of toys, clothing, and other essentials to support local families in need. The department partners with local businesses, schools, and community groups to gather items. Every year, the outpouring of generosity is overwhelming.
Residents are encouraged to drop off donations at the station, and volunteers help sort and package the gifts, ensuring that each family receives what they need to make their holidays memorable.
Josh Shank is one of the career firefighters who works at Station 23 and drives the fire trucks. Shank is also experienced with the water pressure stabilizers, depending on the size of the fire the water pressure needs to be changed.
Going back to safety Shank highlights that ”We try to double check the smoke detectors when we’re out on calls, while also providing information about cooking fires with all the holiday’s wood stoves and chimney fires”.
Community events are designed to engage the community with fun activities and educate families about fire prevention, safety tips, and emergency preparedness during the holiday season.
Participants can learn essential skills such as creating a fire escape plan, maintaining fire extinguishers, and identifying fire hazards around their homes, all while enjoying hot cocoa and holiday treats.
The season’s highlight for many is the “Fire Truck Visits to Local Schools” program.
During these visits, firefighters bring a fire truck to local elementary schools, giving students a hands-on demonstration of fire safety equipment.
The children also get the opportunity to interact with firefighters, learn about the gear they wear, and understand the critical work they do.
It is a great way to foster early education about fire safety and leave lasting impressions on young minds.
While the holiday season is a time for joy, it also comes with unique fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires and injuries spike during winter, especially in December and January.
The UVFD is committed to raising awareness and providing the community with the tools and knowledge to stay safe.
A dry Christmas tree can quickly turn into a dangerous fire hazard. Every year, the UVFD reminds residents to check the freshness of their trees before bringing them indoors.
If you opt for a real tree, water it regularly and remove it from heat sources, such as fireplaces or space heaters. The department also encourages families to use UL-approved lights and to turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
Candles were a tradion to be left around during the holidays including on Christmas trees in the 1600’s. This has been a cause to many house fire’s such as Mrs. O’ Leary’s cow that caused The Great Chicago Fire. It started when one of the five cows knocked over one of the lanterns that had a lit candle inside. When the fire was investigated, they found the lantern on the ground as the cause for how the barn caught fire.
The kitchen is the heart of holiday celebrations but is also the leading cause of home fires. The Urbana Fire Department advises families to stay vigilant while cooking, never leave cooking appliances unattended, and keep flammable items like towels, oven mitts, and decorations away from the stove.
With the increase in holiday lights and decorations, electrical fires are a significant concern. Overloaded circuits, damaged extension cords, and improperly connected lights can lead to electrical fires.
The UVFD stresses the importance of inspecting lights and cords before use, avoiding overloading outlets, and only using outdoor-rated decorations if they will be exposed to the elements. If you’re using an artificial tree, check that the tree’s lights are labeled as fire-resistant.
Space heaters and fireplaces are the most common methods to stay warm as temperatures drop. However, they can also be a fire risk if not handled properly. The UVFD reminds residents to keep flammable materials such as paper, cloth, or furniture away from space heaters and to turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed. Clean your fireplace regularly to prevent creosote buildup, which can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
The holidays can sometimes bring large gatherings, and it’s essential to have a plan in case of an emergency. The Urbana Volunteer Fire Department encourages families to create and practice a fire escape plan with all household members.
Ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room and designate a safe meeting spot outside. This simple preparation can make a huge difference in an emergency.
Quarter sticks also known as M-80 were banned by the CPSC in 1966 because they had a quarter of a stick of dynamite. These caused safety issues because if you held them when they blew up it will cause serious damage.
Beyond the seasonal events, the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department offers various resources throughout the year to ensure fire safety remains a priority for local families.
The department runs programs for schools, businesses, and community groups, offering tailored fire safety education and demonstrations. They also work closely with the local schools to incorporate fire safety into their curriculum and extracurricular activities.
For those who want more hands-on education, the UVFD offers free home safety checks. Firefighters will visit your home to conduct a thorough inspection, check for fire hazards, ensure your smoke detectors are functional, and offer safety recommendations.
This service is part of the department’s ongoing effort to ensure that every home in the community is as safe as possible.
Cory Sakaldales Downey (Class of 2025) talked about what he knows about the UVFD saying “I know they do a thing with the church where they do the reenactment of Jesus”
In addition to their community outreach, the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department is always ready to respond in an emergency.
With their extensive training and commitment to public service, the department provides residents with peace of mind, knowing that help is just a call away in the event of a fire or other emergency.
With all of these community events taking place, we hope to see more Urbana students supporting and partaking in the holiday action at the station!
