Open House kicks off Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Air Force Base kicked off its Fire Prevention Week with an open house and parade Oct. 4 at McAlister Fire Station.

Fire Prevention Week was started in memory of the great Chicago fire of 1871. Despite lasting only two days, the fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.

To raise awareness of the dangers of fire, the National Fire Protection Association decided to dedicate a week for people to be educated on fire safety nationwide. Every year since 1927 has had a new theme for fire safety.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives is the theme for 2014's Fire Prevention Week.

"The most important thing we are trying to explain to the public is how our procedures and some simple things like smoke alarms contribute to fire safety," said Scott Romero, Lead Fire Inspector, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Even knowing the difference between a regular alarm sound and a chirping alarm sound can mean life or death."

An event is scheduled for every day during Fire Prevention Week. Some of the events include an open house and parade, a book reading by Sparky the firedog at the Child Development Center, a demonstration at the Base Exchange, a competition between first sergeants and chiefs, culminating with a softball game between Columbus AFB's fire house and the city of Columbus' fire department.

At the open house, children had many different stations for activities including an inflatable bounce house, a smoke trailer that taught them how to escape a burning building, fire extinguisher and smoke alarm training. Chips, hotdogs and other refreshments were provided to guests.

"It is important that the children get brought up knowing the positives of fire prevention, Romero said. "If we get knowledge of smoke alarms and how they work instilled in them, they will grow up more likely to know what to do in case of a real fire."

Columbus AFB's firehouse participates in week-long events to promote all they do and to do so in an informative way. Events are geared to be not only morale raising, but educational as well.

"We show them our capabilities as a fire department and why we're the best," Romero said. "It's basically how we operate; go in fast, loud and get it done."