Edgely Fire Co. Wing Bowl & Fire Prevention Open House a Burning Success

Dozens showed up early Friday morning, coffee in hand,  for the Edgely Fire Company 3rd Annual Wing Bowl and hundreds followed later that evening for the fire company’s open house fire safety event.

Nine contestants  participated in the part competition fundraiser, with two women – Jackie Gumbert and Stevie Harrison – joining in for the this year’s event. Levittown-Fairless Hill Rescue Squad Chief Chris Reif was the master the master of ceremonies, exhorting the crowd to cheer on the contest eaters.

As the sounds of Metallica and the Doors echoed throughout the spacious firehouse in prep mode for the events of the evening, contestants ate, wiped, and sipped their way through the 12 minute round of frenzied chomping. Eric Knoblauch took  first place and winning the 51-inch flat screen television donated by local contractor Hammertime Demolition.

Knoblauch, embraced by his young son and wife, was jubilant with his win as  the firehouse crowd erupted with a resounding roar. Proceeds from the Edgely Fire Company Wingbowl will go to a  Philadelphia-area burn center.

Friday night the focus was fire prevention, community, and a skills competition as supporters, volunteers, and all turned out in droves for the fire companies open house. Vendors of every type, hundreds of guests, and fire and rescue personnel from throughout the region turned out to support Ten House.

“The open house is an effort to support the community; lets the community in to see what the fire department is all about and surrounding departments. Fire safety is obviously  key this year  hitting on kitchen fires, smoke detectors and 911 and escape routes,” said Deputy Chief Brian Cirard.

Hundreds lined a gated area in the back of the station watching as  the kitchen fire safety demonstration boiled. Chief Carl Pierce stood in front of about a dozen children, instructing the youngsters on the precautions of dealing with a fire involving hot oil on a stove.

“Its an outstanding way for the Fire Departments to have contact with citizens, said Bristol Township Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito. “Bringing awareness about fire safety” is one of the most important things the stations do for Fire Safety Week, he said.

As families, supporters, and attendees departed,  a mother responding to one of her daughters questions said “”that’s why being here is so important. They want you want to be safe, I want you to be safe when it comes to fires.” Edgely Fire Company agrees.