JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 2016 Fire Prevention Week is being recognized at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
The week, run by 11th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, will include a fire department vehicle parade through base housing, fire safety displays, pre-school fire education, live-fire demo, and an open house at Fire Station 2 (schedule in photos).
All Fire Prevention Week events on base are open to the base populace.
“Fire education is something that we stress throughout the year, but this one week is a nationally celebrated week that gives us a platform to reach everyone on base with a unified message of fire safety,” said Laura Garritsen, 11th CES fire inspector.
Every year there is a new campaign and this year it is, ‘Don’t wait – check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years,’ in an effort to educate the public of basic elements of smoke alarm safety.
“Fire Prevention Week heightens awareness and educates those on base,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Bierwirth, 11th CES fire inspector. “We hope to remind people to take fire safety seriously, because it can save your life.”
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed 250 people and left many homeless.
The week will also include a smoke house on a trailer modeling as a kitchen that will simulate a real fire and allow spectators to become familiar with the first signs of a fire while 11th CES fire safety members show them how to react.
“My favorite part is interacting with the kids and adults while educating and conveying an important message,” said Tech. Sgt. Cornelius Horne, station captain. “We are here to protect the base and one way we all do that is through fire prevention.”