If they ask a lot of questions, it proves that students are interested in a subject.

More than half the class of third graders raised their hands to ask questions during a Fire Prevention Week program at Panther Valley Elementary School in Nesquehoning on Friday.

Nesquehoning Hose Company Fire Chief John McArdle talked to the students about the first fire company in the United States, how Fire Prevention Week began and fire safety at home.

He sought volunteers to demonstrate the stop, drop and roll move utilized if your clothing catches fire. Students Autumn Hess, Owen Lynn and Maddox Beck demonstrated it.

McArdle told the students that Benjamin Franklin organized the nation’s first fire department in Philadelphia, where he helped for form a bucket brigade.

He mentioned that President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week.

McArdle asked the students, “How many here have smoke detectors in your home?” Virtually every hand raised.

He told the students the importance of smoke detectors as well as checking that the batteries are good in them.

The fire chief also told the students about calling 9-1-1 during an emergency.

When fielding questions, students asked McArdle questions about protective gear and why it’s used, why do firefighters wear air packs, and how long the hoses are that firefighters use.

The program by McArdle was in the gymnasium of the school. Afterwards, the students went outdoors where they viewed fire apparatus and gear on display by the fire departments of the Panther Valley — Coaldale, Lansford, Nesquehoning and Summit Hill.

Four different sessions were held, one each for kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade.