Fire Prevention Week ignited a wave of community engagement across the Siouxland region on Sunday, October 5, 2025, as fire departments opened their doors to residents eager to learn more about fire safety and the people who serve them. The annual national campaign, which runs through Saturday, October 11, kicked off with a flurry of open houses, hands-on demonstrations, and even a hearty pancake breakfast—all designed to foster a stronger connection between fire departments and the communities they protect.
In Sioux City, Iowa, Fire Rescue teams welcomed families, children, and curious adults into seven of their fire houses from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. According to KCAU, the open houses were part of a coordinated effort to mark the start of Fire Prevention Week, an event that has become a staple in public safety outreach efforts nationwide. The timing was no accident: October is traditionally a month when fire departments ramp up their educational campaigns, hoping to reach as many people as possible before winter—the season when home fires are most common—sets in.
Meanwhile, just across the river in South Sioux City, Nebraska, the fire department took a slightly sweeter approach. Residents gathered for a free-will pancake feed and a raffle, with firefighters serving up breakfast and friendly conversation. The event wasn’t just about food; it was a chance for locals to tour the fire station, check out the gleaming fire trucks, and get a close look at the specialized equipment used to battle blazes and respond to emergencies.
South Sioux City Fire Chief Doug Koopman was on hand to greet visitors and explain why these open houses matter so much. "Take a look at what their tax dollars go to. I think it’s really important so when they come in here and they can see the great equipment, the professional department that we are. I think it goes a long way to develop these relationships with everybody that we do a lot more than just fire, just EMS. That we’re here, we’re a one stop shop for every problem that comes into them. We want our city to get to know their firefighters and this is all theirs. The stations we have, the equipment they have, the rigs that we have, it’s all because of them," Koopman told KCAU reporters.
Koopman’s comments reflect a broader trend among fire departments nationwide: a push to highlight not only their firefighting prowess but also their roles as first responders, educators, and community problem-solvers. The open house format, with its blend of fun activities and serious information, is designed to demystify the work firefighters do and build trust with the people they serve.
But there was an urgent message woven into the festivities this year. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2025 is “Charge into fire safety: lithium-ion batteries in your home.” It’s a timely focus, given the explosion of battery-powered devices in American households—from smartphones and laptops to electric scooters and power tools. Sioux City Fire Chief Ryan Collins took the opportunity to educate visitors about the specific risks associated with these increasingly common batteries.
"Those are becoming more prevalent in either home electronics, home improvement, equipment, tools, that sort of thing. The skateboards, the scooters. Lithium batteries are all around us now. We want to make sure people understand the dangers that are associated with those. They last a long time. They’re a much better product than the old alkaline batteries, but there are additional safety hazards," Collins explained to KCAU.
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the way we live, powering everything from our phones to our power drills. However, as Collins pointed out, they also come with unique fire risks. Overheating, improper charging, or physical damage can cause these batteries to ignite or even explode—a danger that’s often underestimated by consumers. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which coordinates Fire Prevention Week, has reported a steady increase in home fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, making this year’s theme especially relevant.
To drive the message home, Sioux City firefighters offered demonstrations and distributed brochures outlining best practices for battery safety. Tips included using only manufacturer-approved chargers, avoiding overcharging, and keeping batteries away from flammable materials. For many visitors, the advice was eye-opening. "I had no idea something as small as a phone battery could be so dangerous if you’re not careful," one attendee remarked after touring the station.
It wasn’t just Sioux City and South Sioux City getting in on the action. According to KCAU, other local fire departments—including North Sioux City, South Dakota; Jackson, Nebraska; and Dakota City, Nebraska—also hosted open houses on Sunday, October 5. Each department put its own spin on the event, but all shared the common goal of raising awareness and strengthening community ties.
For many families, the highlight of the day was the chance to climb aboard a fire truck or don a firefighter’s helmet for a photo op. But behind the smiles and pancakes, the message was clear: fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and a little knowledge can go a long way toward preventing tragedy. Firefighters encouraged parents to talk to their children about emergency escape plans, check their smoke detectors, and stay informed about the latest safety recommendations.
The open houses also provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions and voice concerns directly to those tasked with keeping them safe. From inquiries about response times to requests for fire extinguisher demonstrations, the events underscored the importance of open communication between fire departments and the public.
As Fire Prevention Week continues through October 11, local departments plan to keep the momentum going with school visits, social media campaigns, and additional community outreach efforts. The hope is that by the end of the week, more people will understand not just how to prevent fires, but also what to do if one breaks out.
Fire Prevention Week has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1922 when it was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Over the decades, the campaign has evolved to address new challenges and technologies, but its core mission remains the same: to save lives through education and preparedness.
As the pancake syrup was wiped clean and the last fire engine tour wrapped up, a sense of community lingered in the air. The open houses may only last an afternoon, but the lessons learned—and the relationships forged—could make all the difference when seconds count. With lithium-ion batteries now a fixture in everyday life, Siouxland’s fire departments are determined to ensure their neighbors are ready for whatever comes next.
