The Millburn Fire Department celebrates 150 years of service at its 28th annual open house Saturday, Oct. 10, with free fire safety activities and ice cream for families.

The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. at the department's headquarters, 459 Essex St. in Millburn. Admission is free.

This year's open house doubles as a milestone. The department was founded in 1876, according to the township's fire department page, making 2026 its 150th year. The township has highlighted the anniversary as a centerpiece of this year's event since August, promoting it on the township calendar and social media.

Visitors can climb aboard fire trucks, learn about fire safety and grab ice cream from the Scream Truck, the township said.

The open house coincides with Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4–10. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) chose lithium-ion battery charging safety as this year's theme, urging residents to learn safe charging habits for devices and e-bikes. The NFPA said the campaign aims to help people understand the risks lithium-ion batteries can pose when charged improperly. Fire Prevention Week is the oldest public health observance in the United States, according to the NFPA.

The department, led by Fire Chief Robert Echavarria, operates out of two stations: the Essex Street headquarters and Station 2 at 315 White Oak Ridge Road in Short Hills. Its 47 career firefighters respond to roughly 2,000 calls a year, according to the township website, which has not been recently updated. More than half of the department's members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

Residents can reach the Millburn Fire Department at (973) 564-7035 for questions about the open house or fire safety.