Hastings Fire Department Open House: A Night of Fire Safety, Fun, and Community Spirit
The Hastings Fire Department proudly hosts their annual Open House event, welcoming the public to join them in Hastings, Minnesota, during the early days of October. This event serves as an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about the vital services provided by the fire department, engage with local firefighters, and gain valuable fire safety knowledge.
Community Members Enjoy Fire Prevention Week with Hastings Fire Department
On a perfect fall evening, HastingsNow.com visited the Hastings Fire Department's annual Open House, held in honor of Fire Prevention Week. The event, which took place on October 8th at the Hastings Fire Station, welcomed residents of all ages to engage with the incredible fire and EMS team, explore the station, and learn essential fire safety tips. We had the pleasure of chatting with Fire Chief John Townsend, Firefighter Jason Krummel, and Fire Inspector Jamie Stevens about their work, community outreach, and how they keep Hastings safe.
Image: Hastings Fire Chief John Townsend, who has been a vital part of the community, is seen in Hastings, Minnesota. His commitment to public safety and emergency services has played an essential role in ensuring the well-being of residents.
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Listen to Fire Chief John Townsend
Fire Chief John Townsend shared his passion for fire safety, highlighting the importance of Fire Prevention Week. "Tonight's our annual open house we host in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week," Chief Townsend explained. "It’s our opportunity to have the community in, see what we do here, and share different fire prevention messages." The chief emphasized that this year's fire prevention focus was on smoke alarms—reminding everyone that working smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor of a home. "They should be tested once a month," Townsend noted, adding the familiar reminder: "Change your clock, change your batteries."
Image: Jason Krummel is a dedicated firefighter serving the community in Hastings, Minnesota. He plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of local residents.
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Listen to local firefighter Jason Krummel
The open house was filled with engaging activities and interactive displays, but Firefighter Jason Krummel's enthusiasm was what really drew the crowd in. Krummel emphasized the value of the open house for building connections with local families, including his own. "It means a lot to me. I got children in the community too," Krummel said. "It’s good to just help bring awareness to them if anything happens at home—how to get out of a fire, who to call, and when to call for emergencies." With a mix of pride and community spirit, he added, "We've got an awesome turnout tonight. Everybody loves this event."
Jaime Stevens serves as a dedicated Fire Inspector in Hastings, Minnesota, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. His responsibilities include conducting inspections of commercial and residential properties to assess fire hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
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Listen to Fire Inspector Jamie Stevens
We also caught up with Jamie Stevens, Hastings' dedicated Fire Inspector, who shared some critical reminders for homeowners. Stevens mentioned that a common issue found during home inspections is outdated smoke detectors. "Smoke detectors expire ten years from the manufacturer date, and they need replacing," Stevens stressed. He also reminded residents to ensure they have carbon monoxide detectors, especially with the colder months coming up. "Carbon monoxide detectors should be in the same locations as smoke detectors—outside of bedrooms and on every level."
The evening was about more than just fire safety—it was about celebrating the community's connection to its local heroes. Families took turns climbing into fire trucks, learning how to use a fire extinguisher, and even watching a demonstration of the department's equipment. The pride in Hastings' Fire Department was palpable, especially when Stevens shared, "I'm the fourth generation to work here. I've been here 18 years, and I love it every day."
The Hastings Fire Department Open House was not only informative but also a lot of fun for everyone who attended. With fire truck tours, hands-on activities for kids, and informative sessions led by the department's passionate team, it was an event that left the community feeling both safer and more connected. Huge thanks to our fire and EMS heroes for opening their doors and their hearts to Hastings!
Stay safe, Hastings! Don’t forget: Test those smoke alarms monthly, replace them after ten years, and make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors ready as winter approaches.
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