Fire Prevention Week puts flames out

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Seymour Johnson fire department took to the streets for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10 to get the word out about fire prevention and safety.

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week was "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned."

"Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, a two-day blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 more homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings Oct. 8-9, 1871," said Eric Harper, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention officer. "That tragedy inspired reform across America, spurring new fire safety codes and public awareness campaigns. Each year, during the first week of October, the President of the United States, along with the National Fire Protection Association, declares Fire Prevention Week."

To get the word out about fire safety and prevention, the base fire department visited local schools and set up information booths at the base library and in front of the base exchange.

"Fire Prevention Week had several events, discussions and displays," said Thomas Wade, 4th CES fire chief. "We had Sparky, the fire dog, and Pluggie, the fire hydrant, spread the word on fire prevention and this year's theme to the local schools and at our open house Saturday. We also had multiple opportunities for folks to attend 'hands-on' fire extinguisher training."

Even though this was only a week-long event, members of the base fire department encourage people to remain vigilant when it comes to fire prevention.

"Everyday someone is hurt or killed by a fire event," Mr. Wade said. "Most fire incidents can be prevented by simply knowing what is hazardous and to look for those things that can contribute to a major fire event. Fire safety and prevention is everyone's responsibility and it is important to know who to contact when there is a suspected fire safety issue. Our fire prevention section is dedicated to educate and reduce fire damage throughout our installation and help those who have questions about fire safety issues."

According to Mr. Harper, fire safety and prevention should be practiced on a daily basis.

"Don't think of Fire Prevention Week as an event that takes place for one week out of the year," he said. "Think about, and practice, safety year round. By thinking about and practicing fire safety year round, we will cut down on incidents of fires and burn injuries. By limiting causes of burn injuries, we can be more productive and focus on the important things."