Sparky, Smokey educate base on fire prevention practices Published Oct. 19, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Noellani Bacnis 92nd ARW Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Fairchild Fire Department will wrap up Fire Prevention Week tomorrow after a week of educating the community on the importance of fire safety. The Fire Department made many appearances around the base this past week including presentations at Michael Anderson Elementary School, the Youth Center and the Child Development Center to educate the children on fire prevention. The Fire Department hoped to stress the importance of education of fire safety by spreading awareness to the public. "Education begins with the individual," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Coger, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention. "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat," this years theme, was important to the fire department since cooking fires have been the number-one cause of most in-home fires for the past four years. According to Sergeant Coger, three out of every 10 fires start in the kitchen as the result of cooking gone awry. Fire fighters dressed up as Sparky and Smokey, two of the fire department mascots, welcomed cars at the front gate as a reminder of Fire Prevention Week. As a part of the education program, fire trucks were displayed around base with fire fighters passing out pamphlets on the importance of fire safety while giving youth the opportunity to tour the fire trucks. The Fire Department also opened its doors to the community, encouraging them to experience a day in the life of a fire fighter at the department. Fire Prevention Week began after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 as a way to memorialize and keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. Fire Prevention Week continues to educate the community today through local fire departments around the nation. "Fire safety begins with you," said Sergeant Coger.
