National Fire Prevention Week: Have 2 Ways Out

  • Published
  • By Teresa Hood
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  He turned 61 this year, but he can still get around!

Every year, Sparky the Fire Dog visits Air Force installations everywhere during National Fire Prevention Week with an important message.

This year's message of "Have 2 Ways Out" focuses on the importance of planning and practicing escape scenarios. If a fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in minutes. A home fire escape plan prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. But, an evacuation plan needs to answer the critical question, "What do we do if our first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames?"

Air Force installation fire departments participate annually in National Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, who created their message mascot, Sparky, in 1951. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on Oct. 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on Oct. 9, 1871.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. This year, National Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13.

As part of the week's events, Air Force fire departments promote fire safety through materials, displays and educational demonstrations. A popular attraction at many bases is a fire safety demonstration trailer which teaches adults and children through realistic yet safe simulated fire situations. Base firefighters also visit schools and child development centers to present fire safety lessons and answer questions. One "lucky" Air Force firefighter is almost always welcomed by children and parents portraying that well-known celebrity, Sparky.

Air Force fire departments may "go all out" for National Fire Prevention Week, but fire safety is a message they work hard to deliver year-round.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week and fire safety, visit http://www.nfpa.org or contact your local base fire department.