Morgantown Fire Department Resumed School Safety Outreach

Firefighters are visiting local elementary schools to teach safety habits during Fire Prevention Week.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Safety

Coiled yellow fire hoses resting on a weathered brick plaza in front of an institutional building. — The Morgantown Fire Department has restored its school outreach program, with firefighters visiting local elementary schools to share fire safety habits with students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Morgantown Fire Department has reinstated its school outreach program to educate students on fire safety. Firefighters are currently visiting local elementary schools to share critical safety lessons as part of the nationwide Fire Prevention Week.

Why it matters

The program was restored to educate children on life-saving habits and address the rising risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Teaching these skills early is a key departmental strategy for improving community safety.

The department is utilizing a 2-year-old accelerant detection dog named Chance to assist in student demonstrations. Residents in need of smoke or carbon monoxide alarms can request them by calling 304-284-7485.

The players

Morgantown Fire Department

This is the primary municipal agency responsible for fire suppression, emergency response, and safety education in Morgantown.

Morgantown Fire Marshal

This official is tasked with enforcing fire codes and providing safety resources like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to residents.

The details

Firefighters are conducting presentations and puppet shows at Eastwood, Mountain View, and Suncrest elementary schools to teach students fire safety. The assemblies also include demonstrations of canine search capabilities to engage children in learning important prevention techniques.

October 6, 2026: An assembly was held at Eastwood Elementary.
October 8, 2026: An assembly is scheduled at Mountain View Elementary.
October 9, 2026: An assembly is scheduled at Suncrest Elementary.

Seasonal Patterns

Fire Prevention Week, which aligns with the week of October 9, was established in 1925 to honor the legacy of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. Modern outreach efforts continue to leverage this historical period to emphasize the importance of home fire preparedness.

Landlords are legally required to provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties. If you cannot afford these devices, you should contact the fire marshal at 304-284-7485 to request free units.

The takeaway

Families should prioritize testing smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functional. Practicing a home fire escape plan is a simple but effective step to keep everyone safe during an emergency.