If the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Lower Macungie Fire Department's efforts on Saturday weigh somewhere around a ton.

Firefighters offered their annual Fire Prevention Open House, this year for the first time in their new Brandywine Station. Under vivid blue and sunny skies, the four-hour event was attended by several hundred from the community.

Activities included the display of all apparatus and facilities, and representatives from about 15 organizations, including the Forestry Service, Macungie Ambulance Corps, the Pennsylvania State Police, Valley Central emergency veterinary care and several area businesses were on hand.

"Most people probably don't give the fire service a lot of thought throughout the year," said Chief David Nosal. "If only for a day, let them come out and see the trucks and people who serve them. Letting them see it in this way is better than that one time when they need us."

A recognition of a need for fire prevention began in 1911 on the 40th anniversary of the Chicago Fire as a necessary means to promote fire safety, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The observance was expanded to a full week in 1925.

Lower Macungie has held annual fire prevention open houses for decades, but those were held at the department's other station in Wescosville, along Brookside Road. This was the first such event at the 6229 Sauerkraut Lane facility, which was dedicated earlier this year.

"We had a very good turnout," according to township Fire Marshal George Caldarelli, who was manning the department's table offering fire prevention souvenirs and literature. "There are a lot of children here."

Nosal also was pleased with the turnout. Besides sending the message to prevent fires, Nosal also wanted to add the ongoing need for volunteers. Although the department remains strong, he said more volunteers always are needed.

He said those interested can learn more through the department's website or by coming out on any Wednesday night training night.