Hyattsville Fire Department Preps For Second 5-Mile Race

New this year is the Kids Fun Run, where kids line up with firefighters and race them to a finish line.

Get ready to run! The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department will host a number of events to celebrate Fire Prevention Month on Oct. 22 featuring activities for the entire family. Kicking off the day at 8:15 a.m., the HVFD will host its second annual five-mile run. Starting and ending at the firehouse, runners and walkers will complete the course, which loops through all five wards of the City of Hyattsville. The course showcases the city’s small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and diverse neighborhoods, from historic homes to the newly developed arts district. All proceeds from the race go toward the department’s fire prevention programs and volunteer fire/EMS operations. More information about the race, including registration, is …

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FIRE SAFETY TIPS: Hyattsville, Prince George's Fire Fighters Answer Call, Advise Caution

As the weather gets colder, fire officials suggest following some simple safety tips.

We've seen a lot of fire this year in Prince George's County. From high winds whipping flames in Laurel to a house fire on Thanksgiving Day, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department has been on the job in a big way. Check out this video of the firefighters from last year and be sure to read these fire safety tips from the county fire/EMS department:

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Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department 101

Here's a video of the live-in firefighters on the job during Spring 2011.

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Hyattsville Fire Department Understaffed?

Recent missed calls and lack of availability raises questions.

On Friday, July 30, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department missed eight calls for service, including a call for a baby that was not breathing, said Deputy Fire Chief James Hook. That call took seven minutes for a response, he said. According to Hook, this situation was due to a miscommunication between the Prince George's County Fire Department –- which regularly alerts local fire departments when they will not be staffed by professional fire fighters -- and the HVFD. For July 30, there was no alert, Hook said. The HVFD is staffed with both volunteer and professional fire fighters. "Prince Georges hires the fire fighters who work at Hyattsville and most other fire departments," said Stephen Tabak, Executive Representative for the Prince…

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