Burke Fire & Rescue Awarded 'Best Open House'

was filled with families Saturday, touring fire trucks and ambulances, learning to prevent fires in the home, practicing fire safety techniques, and visiting with station staff and volunteers. 

Charles Arntson, a technician with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, was teaching children how to respond should they hear the smoke detector in their home.  As he sounded a smoke detector, he reminded the children to crawl to the door, then feel it for heat before proceeding.  "We make this fun in the hope that kids will remember what to do if ever faced with this in real life," he said. 

At the end of the day, Chief Don Melick gathered with staff and volunteers to receive the award for Best Open House in the 7th Battalion, which consists of Stations 14 (Burke), 16 (Clifton), 32 (Fairview), 35 (Pohick) and 41 (Crosspointe).  Burke has won consecutively the past five years.