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Malmstrom raises awareness for fire prevention

By Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published October 17, 2016

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Malmstrom’s Fire Department held events Oct. 10-15 to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety.

According to Michael Johns, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, the theme for this year’s week was “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

Johns said National Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres in October of 1871.

“The goal of fire prevention is to educate the public to take precautions to prevent potentially harmful fires,” Johns said. “We have been visiting local elementary schools and daycares, even as far as Vaughn, Power and the Hutterite colonies. We have also held book readings at the library, station tours and fire truck rides (on base).”

The fire department also held a fire muster competition where teams of four tested their speed and strength to complete a seven-obstacle course.

Some of the activities included donning fire gear, pulling a 170-pound sled, dousing a simulated flame-engulfed building with buckets of water and dragging a human-sized mannequin to safety.

A team of four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen won the fire muster competition with a time of 5 minutes, 28 seconds, surpassing last year’s record by three seconds.

After the competition, firefighters conducted a vehicle extrication simulation, tearing a car apart to show how they would rescue drivers in a real-world scenario.

To wrap up National Fire Prevention Week, the fire department held a fire truck parade Oct.15. Fire trucks, new and old, toured the base with their sirens blaring as Airmen passed out candy to children.

“The children make it a lot of fun,” Johns said. “Seeing them smiling and having fun makes my job very satisfying.”

Senior Airman Luis Avendano, 341st CES firefighter, said it is important to raise fire prevention awareness to ensure everyone stays safe.

“Lately there have been a lot less fires,” Avendano said. “It seems (raising awareness) has been working and we’re trying to keep the trend going.”
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