Fires, Helicopters, Police Dogs at Middletown's Fire Safety Show Friday

Witness all the excitement of an action movie—burning buildings, car accidents, heroic rescues—at the Fire Prevention Thrill Show on Friday.

The free event is held each year to teach different aspects of fire safety to children, and includes hands-on interactive displays, an appearance by Aston Township police dog Jax Jones and fire demonstrations.

State police, paramedics, various fire companies, the county sheriff, ATF and their National Response Team and a rescue helicopter will also all be in attendance.

"The event is a great way for kids to interact with [the fire department]," Middletown Fire Chief Chip Lillie said. "… The Thrill Show combines different aspects of fire safety in a more interactive environment."

The interactive aspects of the evening include a stop-drop-and-roll station, as well as a chance to try on firefighter gear, squirt a hose at a real house fire, and witness a smoke-filled trailer that shows kids how to escape a burning home, Lillie said.

A house fire, car fire, car crash entrapment rescue, and helicopter demonstration are also planned.

"The kids respond extremely well to it," Lillie said, adding that between 400 and 500 people normally come out for the event. "Kids love the action component of it, but also get the chance to interact and learn a lot of fire safety tips with their own families."

Main Line Health's will also be on hand to provide "I Can" canisters to families, which include important phone numbers and other pertinent information to have on hand in the case of an emergency.

The event is free, and free snacks will be available courtesy of Wawa.

The Middletown Fire Company's Fire Prevention Thrill Show takes place this Friday, Oct. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Middletown Fire House, 425 South New Middletown Rd. Additional parking is available right next door at the old Roosevelt School site.