Park Ridge to heat up with annual ‘Tame the Flame’

Metro Wire Staff

The Park Ridge Fire Department will hold its third annual Tame the Flame 5K in conjunction with its Kid’s Fitness Challenge on Saturday.

The fun run/walk is a fundraiser for the department, with money raised going toward equipment purchases. In previous years, the volunteer department used funds to purchase a thermal imaging camera, uniforms, and a defibrillator.

Registration is $20 per person in advance, or $25 the morning of the event, and includes a t-shirt, food, and refreshments. In-person registration opens at 9:30 a.m.; the 5K kicks off at 10 a.m.

The route begins at the village firehouse, 24 Crestwood Dr., at 10 a.m.

The Kids Fitness Challenge will be held from noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday. Kids of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a series of challenges similar in nature to tasks endured by firefighters. There is no fee to participate but parents must be present.

The event will also feature a smokehouse, where kids can practice proper exit strategies during a house fire, a fire truck display, fire education, and CPR demonstrations.

Special guests include McGruff the Crime Dog and Smokey the Bear.

To register for the 5K click here, or find the event on Facebook.