The members of Chilton County’s volunteer fire departments work tirelessly to keep people safe in times of emergency.

Like anyone else, however, they enjoy stress-free days and came up with a way three years ago to combine family fun with fire prevention activities.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Chilton County Fire Fighters Association, which is comprised of volunteer fire departments, will hold a Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alabama Horse Club Arena off Highway 145.

With National Fire Prevention Week set for Oct. 7–13, organizers decided to schedule the event in September to avoid conflicts with fall festivals in October.

Capt. Chris Thomas of the Gap of the Mountain Fire Department said the event is also designed “to let the county know that we’re there for more than just emergencies.”

“We try to promote fire safety,” Thomas said. “You have a lot of children in our coverage area, and that’s what really started it. Give parents that are not able to carry their kids to the fair a fun day.”

The event is free and includes complimentary drinks and meals, games, prizes, hayrides, inflatable bouncers, a dunking booth, fire hose games, fire trucks, tankers, rescue trucks, ambulances and more.

Thomas’ wife, Tina, is a member of the Gap of the Mountain Fire Department and said representatives from a lot of the volunteer fire departments will be at the event.

“The majority of the volunteer fire/rescue departments participate in this,” Tina said. “People will be able to look and see the equipment that’s used throughout the county.”

The Fun Day is sponsored by the Chilton County Fire Fighters Association, RPS Ambulance Service, Care Ambulance Service and the Chilton County division of Alabama Forestry.

Those interested in volunteering at a fire department in their coverage area can speak with representatives at the event.

“I’m pretty sure the majority of fire departments in the county could all use volunteers,” Tina said.