For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends.  But Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires. Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries.

Did You Know?

• The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees – this is hot enough to cause third degree burns.
• Over 90% of fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involve fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.
• Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few firework safety tips.
• All forms of fireworks/sparklers are illegal in Prince George's County.

The Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department and the Riverdale Park Arts Council present the First Annual Old Fashion Home Town 4th of July Celebration in Town Center from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m., 4th of July afternoon.

Events will include:

• Riverdale Park Volunteer Fire Department will offer free freeze pops to all the children.
• Fire Engine & Ambulance tours.
• Fire prevention tips and activities for children and adults, including free Blood Pressure screening.
• Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soda, and water will be for sale by the Fire Department.
• A bicycle raffle that includes a bike, a helmet and a lock.

Tickets sold for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.
You can buy them at the Farmers Market
(which takes place every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Riverdale Park Historic Town Center
6220 Rhode Island Ave
Riverdale, MD 20737

• A bicycle Rodeo.
• A Children’s craft table.
• Live Music will be provided throughout the event.
• And much more!

Come out and enjoy!
We look forward to seeing you

Prince George's County Fire Chief, Eugene A. Jones, spent his Saturday afternoon on a visit to the Riverdale Fire Department.  While the early part of his visit was occupied in meeting with President Lamphier, the remainder of the evening was a social visit.  After enjoying dinner with the crew and President, many of the members got an opportunity to voice their views on the volunteer "system" and their concerns for the future.  The views of all were varied, and through coooperative discussion some new ideas have emerged.

Rear L-R: President Lamphier, Vice Presdient Dixon, Chief Jones, Life Member Sheckels, Life Member Whiting, Tower Captain Sutton
Front L-R: F/F Aguilar, F/F Perkins

We would like to thank the Chief for taking time out of his weekend to visit and extend an open invitation for future visits (hopefully they won't stretch on until midnight).

At 0059hrs PSC dispatched 5600 54th Ave for the reported apartment on fire with possible people trapped. Engine 807, Ambulance 807, and Chief 807B responded with 7 personnel. Engine 807 arrived on the scene and found smoke showing from the lobby area. The officer from the engine was met in the lobby by the occupant of the apartment that was on fire. The crew advanced the 250' pre-connect and made entry into the apartment and made quick work of the fire. With the assistance of Truck 809, searches were made and the kitchen was opened up finding no extension. Command scaled back the assignment to Companies 807 and 809.

Company 807 cleared the scene just after 0230hrs.