Last Thursday a small crowd gathered in front of a fire station for an evening under the stars. More than 250 people took part in safety demonstrations and family activities during an open house at Longwood Fire Company on Baltimore Pike near Longwood Gardens.

The non-profit fire company was originally founded by Pierre DuPont in 1921 to protect Longwood Gardens, and now has 60 volunteer members responding to emergencies in the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships.

“We wanted to give our constituents a chance to visit our facility and to meet all of our wonderful personnel,” said Chief A. J. McCarthy.

Longwood provides fire and rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most of the fire company’s budget comes from business and individual donations during its annual fund drive. You can find more information on the volunteer fire squad here.