Fire prevention week

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --   Most of us have heard the story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow knocking over a lantern Oct. 9, 1871, and starting the Chicago Fire. The fire killed 300 people and destroyed 2,000 acres of the city. 

However, four decades later, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided that the anniversary of the Chicago Fire should be observed, thus the first National Fire Prevention Day Oct. 9, 1911. Since 1925, every U.S. president has signed a proclamation making the week in which Oct. 9 falls National Fire Prevention Week. 

Luke observed its first fire prevention week in 1975, according to Ron Martin, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services assistant chief for fire prevention. The observance continues. 

"We have a week filled with activities and events for people to learn more about fire prevention," he said. "A parade is scheduled to kick off the week 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade will be followed by an open house at the No. 1 Fire Station, Bldg. 450. The fire department will be at the commissary and base exchange from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Oct. 10. There will be information booths, videos, fire engine tours and Sparky the fire dog along with his friends Bubba and Buddy. We encourage people to ask questions and get tips about fire safety." 

What's more, there will be giveaways such as coffee mugs, pencils, key chains, water bottles, coloring books and plenty of food and beverages, according to Chief Martin.
This year's theme is prevent home fires. 

"We want to make sure your home is safe," Chief Martin said. "The two leading causes of home fires in the United States are cooking and heating equipment. Your kitchen can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if safe cooking behaviors aren't practiced." 

The Luke community was fortunate in the past year because there were only two stove fires, causing no injuries and minimal damage, according to Chief Martin. 

"Luke fire emergency services have numerous duties, which include fire safety education and facility fire safety inspections, to include the community center, the child development center, the youth and teen center and home daycare providers," Chief Martin said. "They also conduct monthly fire evacuation drills at the youth and teen center. Each building is required to conduct annual fire drills, which are conducted by fire inspectors and facility managers. The inspections and fire drills are a great prevention tool." 

Chief Martin said he has a particularly profound passion for this special week.
"The Fire Prevention Week is a time when the fire department and the community can come together for a week of fun and camaraderie," Chief Martin said. "Most of the time if someone has contact with a firefighter, it is because of a fire or accident. This special week is one in which we can enjoy each other's company." 

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, call Chief Martin at (623) 856-7421.