DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services flight raised awareness for fire safety and prevention as part of the National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 9 to 15. Hosted by the National Fire Prevention Association since 1922, this week is set aside each year to promote education, understanding and tips about preventing fires in all forms.
President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation as a commemoration to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed 250 people and left more than 100,000 homeless.
Since its establishment on Dyess Air Force Base, the 7th CES fire emergency services flight has encouraged as much participation as possible.
“We focus on teaching good fire prevention skills and safety measures for yourself and others,” said Tech. Sgt. Eric Rasmussen, 7th CES fire inspector. “We do everything from briefings, public displays and child care center visits to smoke house events.”
Col. David Benson, 7th Bomb Wing commander, kicked off the week with the signing of the Commander’s Proclamation to promote Dyess’ part in taking an active role in fire safety. The Dyess fire department continued the week with multiple other events, including a parade through base housing, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog to the child development and youth center, multiple tours and open houses of the fire station and a simulated smoke house.
“The smoke house provides a safe simulated environment, similar to that of a smoke filled house in the event of a fire,” Rasmussen said. “It allows children and parents to see what it’s like to maneuver through a structure with minimal visibility.”
The fire department also held the Fire Muster event, which put participating Airmen into the shoes of a firefighter during a series of obstacles, from literally donning their gear to using a high-pressured hose. Twelve teams of four airmen took part in the event.
“The event let Airmen experience the physical challenges of the job, but it also promoted friendly competition among the units,” Rasmussen said.
Every year, the campaign takes on a new motto and theme to focus on a specific topic regarding fire safety. For 2016, the theme is “Don’t Wait—Check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.”
“The focus on smoke alarms is part of a three-year effort to raise awareness and educate the public about basic, but essential elements of smoke alarm safety,” Rasmussen said. “All smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. To figure out how old your smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back.”
The 7th CES fire emergency services flight encourages Team Dyess to practice fire safety and prevention awareness throughout the entire year to keep safe and support the mission here.