by Rob Hardin
Reporter

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Madison Fire Station 181 opened the doors to community members for its annual Madison Township Fire Department Open House. The event, which saw more than 100 visitors, has been reaching out to the public for at least 20 years according to Fire Inspector Ed Dildine.

“It gives taxpayers a chance to see where their taxes are going and what we do on a daily basis. Gives them a chance to look at our equipment, look at the firehouse, meet our guys in a non-emergency situation,” Dildine said.

Visitors had the opportunity to observe a vehicle extrication demonstration, explore the inside of both engine and medic 181, use a fire hose to extinguish a “fire” and explore an inflatable fire safety maze.

The best part of the day according to was “the fire truck… and how they make the ladder move,” said Chance, age 7.

The open house event alternates between the department’s three fire houses. Next year, it will take place at the Noe Bixby station and then the Canal Winchester station in 2027, before returning to Station 181 in 2028.

“It gives everybody a little bit of a chance in that area of the community to come out,” Dildine said.