BPVFC & Schoolhouse Arts & History Center OPEN HOUSE this Sunday (Oct. 6)

This Sunday (Oct. 6) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual “Open House” at the Brightwood Rd. Fire Station – 5213 Brightwood Rd.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to meet and support the dedicated professionals who volunteer their time to serve Bethel Park as well as see firsthand how donations are used in responsible manner to protect the community,” said BPVFC Deputy Fire Chief Russ Beeson who’s been with the BPVFC 11 years and has been a fireman for 33 years.

The day will consist of both educational and fun activities including:

• 12 p.m. - A Lithium-Ion Battery Presentation discussing the concerns of lithium-ion batteries.
• 1 p.m. - Fire Extinguisher Discussion where the BPVFC will educate guests on the best types of fire extinguishers to use.
• 2 p.m. - Live Vehicle Rescue Simulation showcasing the Hurst “Jaws of Life” and what steps need to be taken to remove a victim pinned in their vehicle.

Throughout the day, “Freddie the Fire Truck,” donated by the Bethel Park Community Foundation, will be on hand to greet guests; free fire helmets will be given to children; and guests will receive free hot dogs, free safety information, and much more!

A number of supportive local businesses and organizations will also be on hand to greet guests including the Friends of the Bethel Park Public Library (will be distributing free children’s books), Evey True Value Hardware, Michael Brothers (who donated the lithium batteries & vehicle used in the demo), Bethel Bakery, and Britney Hollick Insurance.

“Lithium-Ion Batteries are very common,” said Beeson. “And being as common as they are there are inherent dangers people aren’t aware of. Recently an electric vehicle was involved in an accident, and it took 25,000 gallons of water to put the fire out, an exuberant amount of water, and the battery had to be cooled for 30 days so that it wouldn’t reignite. Cell phones, computers, and power tools also use these batteries. So this presentation will be extremely important for the public to attend.”

Schoolhouse Arts & History Center

Additionally, the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center (2600 South Park Rd.) will be holding an Open House and an Art Show by South Arts Pittsburgh from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. this Sunday as well.

“We started this Open House a few years ago and have held it in conjunction with the Fire Company’s Open House to highlight the history of Bethel Park,” said Bethel Park Historical Society President Tim Moury. “It offers the community another event to enjoy while they’re in the area and helps us to showcase our building as renovations continue.” 

Free tours of the Schoolhouse are part of the Open House.

“In Bethel Park, we’re fortunate to have such an amazing Fire Company. A big thing they do is take the time to not only protect residents, but educate them,” said Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware. “In my world of home improvement, there have been numerous discussions on lithium batteries. People want to know what to do with them, ask if they’re dangerous, and how to handle them if they catch on fire. They also want to know how to dispose of them. Because of this, I think everyone should attend the presentation on Sunday to learn more and ask questions about these batteries. And, this event is a wonderful way to meet our volunteer fire fighters!”

Guests can park along Park Ave., St. Valentine’s Church Parking Lot, and along Brightwood Rd. 

For more information, visit www.bethelparkvfc.com.