Fire Prevention Week returns to Moody

  • Published
  • By Airman Dillian Bamman
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23d Civil Engineer Squadron showed Moody the importance of fire safety during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6 to 12 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

National Fire Prevention Week began in 1922 in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which caused the deaths of more than 250 people.

"Fire Prevention Week makes the men and women of Moody aware of what needs to be done to prevent fires," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jesse Wagner, 23d CES firefighter.

The theme this year is 'Preventing Kitchen Fires' since they are the main cause of household fires says Wagner.

"Grease fires are one of the most dangerous kinds of house fires," said Wagner. "Leaving stoves on and not checking your home's smoke detectors can result in a major accident."

Every year, the 23d CES firefighters visit the Child Development Center at Moody to show the younger children what firefighters do.

"Going to the CDC every year is really a big deal for the kids and their parents," said Wagner. "They come home to their parents excited after seeing Sparky."

Sparky the Fire Dog has been the mascot of the National Fire Protection Association and FPW since 1951.

"We like to bring Sparky out for [FPW]," said Wagner. "Teaching kids about why firemen are there to help and what fire detectors are there for goes a long way, and Sparky helps the kids get involved."

One mother agrees that Sparky helps children get involved.

"My kids love seeing Sparky," said Cynthia Barham, wife of a Moody Airmen, "I really think they get a lot from the interaction."

Children may be the main focus for FPW, but the parents also need that extra boost to ensure their homes remain safe says Eric W. Mortensen, 23d CES assistant chief of fire prevention.

"Being cognisant of your actions can be the difference between life and death," said Mortensen.

Wagner agrees with Mortensen on awareness being the main priority in fire safety.
"It's the little things that make the big difference, mainly building awareness in your home," said Wagner.

"In my time on Moody, I haven't seen a large fire yet, but that doesn't mean our fire department is going to let up on fire prevention," he added.

FPW continues to aid the 23d CES firefighters in building trust with the men, women and children of Moody.

"[FPW] helps the community because we continue to build their trust," said Wagner. "We're always there when anyone needs help."