Fire department sparks interest in fire prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Air Force Base relies on the well-being of its Airmen to continue to support the important nuclear deterrent mission it carries out every day. There are various programs as well as individuals put in place to protect the Airmen of the base, one of them being the members of Malmstrom's Fire Department.

Every year, in celebration of Fire Prevention Week, the base Fire Department promotes fire safety and prevention with several different activities including briefings, displays and interactive activities for all ages.

"We celebrate Fire Prevention Week on Malmstrom because it is a nationally recognized time period for promoting fire safety," said Rickey Naccarato, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention. "Fire Prevention Week roots can be traced as far back as the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on Oct. 9, 1871. After this tragic occurrence, the city of Chicago quickly rebuilt and within the next couple of years residents began celebrating their successful restoration by memorializing the anniversary of the fire with festivities. . . [Then] on Oct. 9, 1911, the Fire Marshals Association of North America sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day."

According to Naccarato, the first Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. Tomorrow marks the end of this year's Fire Prevention Week; this year's theme focusing on having two ways out.

"We expressed the importance of having two ways out and planning ahead to ensure [Airmen and] their families are prepared should a fire occur," Naccarato said. "Having two ways out is important because it allows people to be knowledgeable on how they are supposed to react prior to the actual situation occurring. If one way out is blocked by fire they already know where and how to use the second means of escape; be it another door or window, this will reduce confusion and allow for a quicker and safer evacuation."

Throughout the duration of the past week, members of Team Malmstrom had several different chances to see Malmstrom's fire fighters in action. The week started on Oct. 7 with a children's fire truck ride and will end tomorrow with a fire truck parade starting at 2:15 p.m. The parade will start in the parking lot of the Exchange, weave through housing areas, and end at the fire station.

Other events put on during the week included tours of the fire department, fire education displays at different locations, safety briefings in the housing areas and an auto extrication. Sparky the Fire Dog also helped the fire fighters spread the word by visiting children at Loy Elementary School, the base Library, day care homes and the Child Development Center.

Also, this year's second Fire Muster Competition will be held in the parking lot of the Base Exchange today starting at 8 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m. Malmstrom's first sergeants took first place in the competition this past July and are hoping to defend their title for the trophy.

According to the National Fire Protection Association website at www.nfpa.org, Fire Prevention Week is put in place with a goal of helping protect all families, especially those at the highest risk. Although anyone can be affected by an unexpected fire, people at high risk of death and injury by fire include the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Below are a few tips members of Team Malmstrom can follow to help prevent injuries, deaths as well as property damage caused by fires:

· Have an evacuation plan that includes two ways out
· Practice these plans with all members of the household
· Know who to call in an emergency
· Become familiar with emergency procedures in work areas, dormitories and lodging facilities
· Know what to do if clothes catch on fire - stop, drop and roll

"The Fire and Emergency Services section would just like to say thanks for all of the support of our Fire Prevention Week festivities and remind everyone that fire prevention safety should be maintained throughout the year," Naccarato said.

For more information on fire prevention safety, contact the 341st CES Fire and Emergency Services section at 731-4836 or 731-4100.