Most youngsters adore firetrucks. That was obvious by the reaction of students Friday morning at Panther Valley Elementary School in Nesquehoning when members of several local fire departments conducted a Fire Prevention Week program.

Participating were firefighters and apparatus from the four communities that comprise the Panther Valley: Nesquehoning, Lansford, Coaldale and Summit Hill.

The program began with Nesquehoning Hose Company Fire Chief John McArdle giving a talk in the auditorium, then answering questions, about fire safety.

Next, firefighters in full gear — helmets, air masks, coats and boots — demonstrated how they might navigate a smoke-filled room by crawling up the middle aisle from the back of the large room and feeling to their left and right as if they were searching for heat spots. Various tools the firefighters use in combating a fire were shown to the children.

McArdle asked, “Who wants to see firetrucks?”

In thunderous unison the students gave their affirmative response. In the back of the school, about 10 firetrucks from the four communities were parked.

For quite a number of years, the four fire departments have been conducting the Fire Prevention Week program.

McArdle gave the students a brief history of Fire Prevention Week, noting it was started by President William McKinley after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

He then went over fire safety tips, explaining the procedures for fire drills and why it is important for teachers to check and make sure all the students have exited the building safely.

“At home, it is important to have a meeting place outside if a fire occurs,” he said to the students.

The chief also detailed the importance of smoke detectors.

Students demonstrated that they know how to “stop, drop and roll” if a piece of clothing catches fire.

McArdle said that if clothing catches fire, “You don’t want to go and run. That would make it burn more. You must stop, drop and roll.”

Firefighters from the four communities stood at the trucks and answered questions about firefighting operations.