7th CES holds fire prevention week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sparky the Fire Dog and members of the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron visited different parts of Dyess during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13 to educate the base populace on fire prevention and safety.

Every October, fire departments throughout the country conduct fire education and awareness events during Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Have Two Ways Out" encouraging families to reevaluate their exit strategies and incorporate a second exit.

"We started off the week by visiting children at the child development center, giving them a chance to interact with Sparky the Fire Dog, while we emphasized the importance of what to do during a fire," said Tech. Sgt. Tiefton Chatman, 7th CES assistant chief of fire prevention.

Throughout the week, 7th CES firefighters hosted multiple smoke houses. They placed a fog machine in a closed home to allow children the opportunity to understand what to do in case a fire occurs.

"Providing a smoke house simulation for children is a great way to educate them on how to survive and escape a building that's on fire, to focus on looking for an exit whether it is a door or window," said Staff Sgt. Van Thomas, 7th CES base fire inspector.

At the end of Fire Prevention Week, base squadrons were invited to the fire station to give Airmen the opportunity to showcase their skills during a firefighters challenge.

"Fire Prevention Week may only be one week long, but it should be kept in mind all year long. Not only could it save your life, but a fireman's life as well," Chatman said.