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NILES — Local fire departments are kicking off the summer by offering the community a way to beat the heat this week.

The Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department has announced that it will host its Cool Down event at 3 p.m. today at Russom Park. The Dowagiac Fire Department will also be hosting cool down events from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at Laylin Park and from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Walter Ward Park.

The events aims to help the community address the dangerously warm weather expected for this week. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided tips for staying cool during hot days.