News : Fire Prevention Week: Students tour fire station, see trucks, safety gear

Firefighter Dave Boisen demonstrates how his oxygen mask works during fire station tour.

Students took turns sitting in the cab of the VFD equipment truck.

Firefighters explianed safety procedures during tour.

Jeff Kinney tells the students about the equipment on a fire truck.

The Vinton-Shellsburg elementary students have been learning about fire safety this week, as the schools and fire department work together for Fire Prevention Week lessons.

On Monday, the firemen visited the school. On Tuesday, the students visited the fire station. Today, the Kindergarten students can enjoy one of the highlights of their first year of school -- a ride on a fire truck.

During the tours on Tuesday, firefighters Jeff Kenney and Dave Boisen and others explained to students what the equipment on their trucks can do. Boisen put on his safety gear, complete with oxygen mask, to demonstrate what a firefighter looks and sounds like when entering a house to rescue someone from a fire.

The firefighters gave the students some basic lessons about fire safety, including having a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Operation EDITH takes place Thursday evening, as the fire department encourages Vinton families to have a place to meet and to go outside at 6 p.m. and turn on their porch light to indicate their participation.