ANKENY, IOWA (Sept. 30, 2025) –In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the Ankeny Fire Department will be hosting its Fire Prevention Week Open House and a Special Needs Open House. Both events will be held at the Ankeny Fire Department Headquarters, located at 120 NW Ash Drive in Ankeny. National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11, 2025. The 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” campaign that focuses on educating the public about the safe use, charging, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which power many common devices but can pose fire risks if mishandled.

 Fire Prevention Week Special Needs Open House
 Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6-8 PM

The Ankeny Fire Department is offering a special Open House for individuals with autism, special needs or disabilities and their families. The following activities will be offered and have been modified for those with special needs: 

• Meet Ankeny first responders in a fun, safe and sensory friendly way
• Families can explore a fire engine, police car and an ambulance and meet personnel on their terms, making future encounters less frightening
• Escape from the fire safety house
• Tour the Fire Department
• Spray water from a fire hose
• Explore firefighters’ protective gear
• Fire extinguisher training 
• Quiet and sensory friendly areas
• A variety of other fire safety and educational activities

 Fire Prevention Week Open House
 Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6-8 PM

This free Open House will include a variety of educational, family-oriented hands-on activities for all ages. Guests can learn more about the power of fire prevention and technologies available to protect their own families from fire. 

Activities will include:

• Meet Ankeny firefighters
• Escape a smoke-filled bedroom in the fire safety house
• Spray a fire hose
• Try on firefighter gear 
• Use a fire extinguisher
• Tour the fire station
• Meet local organizations that serve the Ankeny community
• A variety of other interactive fire safety and educational activities

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began Oct. 8, but continued into and did most of its damage Oct. 9, 1871. 

 All media inquiries should be directed to Deputy Chief Dan Schellhase at 515-965-6473, DSchellhase@AnkenyIowa.gov.         

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About Ankeny, Iowa

Recognized as a Best Place to Live in the U.S., Best Small City in America and one of the Hottest Family-Friendly Cities, Ankeny is a safe, vibrant community with top-tier schools, beautiful parks, an extensive trail system and high-quality municipal services. Located in the heart of central Iowa, Ankeny is home to more than 76,000 residents.     Visit www.ankenyiowa.gov for more information.