Dowagiac Fire Department sponsored Tuesday’s Business After Hours of the Chamber of Commerce.

Steve Grinnewald, director of public safety, said Dowagiac is unique for a city this size to have a full-time fire department.

Firefighter Mark “Tony” Miller talked about the intense six-month training course firefighters take, providing them with classroom & practical instruction from what size hose to use to the proper equipment.

Lt. Bobby Nelson spoke about fire prevention for businesses and the need to have a safety plan in place for those who employ more than 10 people. He cautioned businesses from stockpiling items that should be discarded, and suggested they ensure machinery receives regular maintenance, make sure hazardous items are stored according to state guidelines and use smoke alarms.

He showed Chamber members one of the earliest forms of a fire extinguisher, a glass ball filled with carbontetrachloride that was used in the 1920s to take oxygen from the atmosphere.

Kris Soenen, owner of Who Knew Consignment, participated in a hands-on demonstration on how to put out a fire.