Emergency Fest happens Saturday
By Melanie Marshall

It is time once again for serious fun hosted by the Watauga County Firefighters Association. The seventh annual Emergency Fest will be held Saturday, June 13 in Appalachian State University’s Raley parking lot off River Street.

This year’s event will feature more than 30 law-enforcement, fire and EMS agencies doing demonstrations and meeting with the public. A few examples include the Smokehouse, a mobile unit that teaches children how to escape a burning building, cooking fire safety, fire extinguisher operation, and the Wilkes County Bomb Squad. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire fatalities in the United States.

“We also provide extrication demonstrations to show people what would happen if they were trapped in a vehicle after an accident,” said Jim Landis, spokesperson for the event and volunteer with Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue.

Fire trucks, ambulances and rescue helicopters will be at the event and open for tours by the public.

“This event presents an educational opportunity for all ages,” Landis said.

He added that is especially important for children to see and meet rescue personnel and police officers.

“Young children, especially pre-school age, can be afraid of firefighters in full gear and will hide inside a fire. This event teaches children that firefighters, officers and EMS are your friends and are there to help,” Landis said.

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. Concessions will be available.