YONKERS, NY — October 5, 2026 — To kick off Fire Prevention Month, Yonkers firefighters shared life-saving tips and treated students to a tour of their fire truck at Kahlil Gibran School. 

When one firefighter asked for the number to dial in an emergency, roughly two dozen kindergarten students shouted,”911!”

A firefighter donned his protective outfit, including Kevlar bunker gear, helmet, respirator face mask and Scott air cylinder.  Fire Lieutenant Kevin Ahern pointed out how the rhythmic breathing and hiss of each breath sounded like the infamous villain from Star Wars.

“Reminds me of Darth Vader,” he said.  “Don’t be afraid of us.  If you see a firefighter dressed like this, he’s a good guy coming to help you.”

Wide-eyed little ones gazed up in awe.  Some declared that they wanted to become firefighters.  One child compared the local protectors to superheroes. 

Children put on shiny, red plastic fire helmets are climbed aboard a fire engine for a tour of the main cabin.  They felt the weight of sturdy hoses and learned that an engine can pump 500 gallons of water per minute.  Firefighters demonstrated how nozzles work and how they use an ax and Halligan pry tool to open locked doors.

Firefighters shared basic safety tips:

·         Smoke rises, so stay low and crawl to safety.

·         If clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll.

·         Make sure there are smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

·         Know at least two exits from every room.

·         If there’s a fire, never hide in a closet or under a bed.

·         Have a family evacuation plan and practice.

·         Know your family’s emergency meeting place.

·         Never play with matches or a lighter.

·         Ba careful around fireplaces, heaters and electrical appliances.

·         Always ask an adult to help with cooking.

The Yonkers Fire Department will be making the rounds, visiting schools throughout the Month of October.

Photos by Maurice Mercado- Yonkers Photographer/Graphic Designer