Fire Prevention Week 2011

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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 2011 Fire Prevention Week campaign runs from Oct. 9-15. The theme "Protect your Family from Fire!" is all about keeping you, your family and the Desert Lightning community safe. During the annual campaign sponsored by the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services flight, you'll find educational material and tip sheets at various locations around the installation.

"This year, we will concentrate on how to best provide continuous fire safety education and public awareness information as we strive to deliver world class fire emergency services," said Lt. Col. Laurie Richter, 355th CES commander. "In 2010 Air Force fire departments responded to over 88,000 calls for help. It's a great honor to be part of this year's campaign, and we hope the entire Desert Lightning Team takes advantage of the free events scheduled throughout the week."

Being alerted to the presence of fire safety in your home and knowing what to do to mitigate the situation is important.

"Saving lives is my number one priority," said Fire Chief Scott Cline, 355th CES. "My goal is to ensure that members of the DLT have accessibility to world class emergency services. This year Arizona witnessed firsthand the devastating affects of fire. The Wallow Fire burned more than 469,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 31 homes. Over a period of two months, 4,000 firefighters from across the state battled the blaze. It is my hope that all residents and visitors take advantage of the great fire-safety opportunities as we celebrate Fire Prevention Week 2011."

With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials - is within your power.

"The goal of the D-M Fire Department is to assist assigned Airmen and their families with fire-safety issues in the home by educating residents on how to identify and correct fire hazards where we live," said Mr. Raymond LeClair, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention. "This year's Fire Prevention Week theme focuses on the importance for developing and practicing fire escape plans. Fire safety is more than education it's an attitude which could save the lives of you or your family."

For over 80 years Fire Prevention Week has been actively supported by both military and civilian fire departments across the country, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. It commemorates the great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed more than 17,400 buildings, killed more than 250 residents and left 100,000 more homeless.

Check out www.facebook.com/dmafb everyday during Fire Prevention Week for daily fire-safety tips.

It is important to remember that fire safety starts in the home. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for an in-home fire safety visit please contact the Davis-Monthan Fire Emergency Services Flight, Fire Prevention section at 228-4333/6027 to schedule an appointment.