Kewaskum Fire Department held Open House During Fire Prevention Week

The Kewaskum Fire Department invited residents to join them on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6-7 p.m., for an open house. The open house was held during Fire Prevention Week (FPW), which took place this year from Sunday, Oct 4. to Saturday, Oct. 10. Themes for FPW are decided by The National Fire Protection Association. Past themes focused on topics like smoke alarms, cooking safety, planning an escape, etc. This year, and in 2025, the themes focused on Lithium-Ion Batteries, including safe charging habits and also how to properly use, store and recycle these batteries.

“With the appearance of things like e-bikes, e-scooters, kids electronic devices, more kids having cell phones and stuff like that, it’s becoming more prevalent that people are using inappropriate charging techniques, inappropriate charging places and other things like that, or damaging the batters, that’s causing more lithium-ion battery fires,” said Lt. Zach Garbisch, who has been handling Fire Prevention Week events for the past several years.

Throughout the week, the fire department invited local schools and daycares to the fire station to teach them some proper fire safety skills. They also showed the children what the firefighters look like in their full gear – which is a lot different than what they look like in their civilian clothes – so that the children are not afraid of them if they are ever in a dangerous situation.

They then ended their week with the open house. This was also a chance for the fire department to show the community who they are and what they do. Fire Chief James Warnkey claims that in the past, these open houses had not been the most well attended, but he and the other firefighters are very proud of the turnout of the past few years, welcoming families and residents of all ages to the fire house. “I’ll put Zach for a lot of credit in getting the community and getting the kids again… it’s really been a good event,” stated Chief Warnkey.

There were several things to do at the open house, including meeting your local fire fighters, taking pictures with Sparky the Fire Dog, seeing the trucks and gear, hose activities, a room for kids to color and watch blue and, new this year, duck races.

Each year, the fire department tries to bring something new to FWP to keep people engaged. Last year they introduced their coloring contest with the schools, which they did again this year. Their new event this year was a duck race. The fire department created their own stream by using hoses to block off a path, and then, with about 100 rubber ducks ready to race, they released gallons of water from one of their trucks and allowed the ducks to flow down stream. The winner was the duck who made it to the end of the stream first. This was all done in their parking space and was something the children enjoyed a lot.

Fire Safety Reminders

If you are in a situation where there is an uncontrollable fire, get as far away as possible and call 911. Fires double in size every 30 seconds when the right conditions are met, meaning that fire will spread rapidly. Once you are out, do not go back in for any reason – stay out and wait for the fire department to arrive and help.

In the case of Lithium-ion battery fires: Get away and stay away! Call 911 immediately and get as far away as possible. When on fire, these batteries let off poisonous gases and can go into what is known as “thermal runaway,” meaning there is a high chance it is going to explode.

The fire department doesn’t just help with fires. They also help with faulty smoke detectors, carbon monoxide leaks and more. “If it’s going (the detectors), that’s why we’re here… it’s just better to be safe than sorry,” said Chief Warnkey.

The Kewaskum FD is all volunteer based, with the exception of one member being their only full-time employee. They currently have 52 firefighters, and they are always looking for more volunteers.