Firefighters promote Fire Prevention Week with base activities Published Oct. 1, 2014 By 17th Civil Engineer Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Service Flight invites Goodfellow personnel to celebrate over 140 years of National Fire Prevention Week with educational activities. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, which killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 people homeless. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires cause an estimated average of 2,570 civilian deaths, 13,210 civilian injuries and $7.2 billion in direct property damage per year. Almost three-quarters, 71 percent, of the reported home structure fires and 84 percent of the home fire deaths occurred in one- or two-family homes, including manufactured homes. "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month" is the slogan for the 2014 Fire Prevention Week. "It rings hard and true as nearly 366,000 American households are destroyed or damaged by fire annually," said Mr. Jason Garcia, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Service Flight assistant chief of prevention. "Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to remind everyone about protecting yourself, loved ones and property from fire damage. Goodfellow firefighters are scheduled to participate in daily events to help educate youth and adults on the installation including a firefighter competition open to any base personnel. "This is a great opportunity for folks to enjoy a friendly competition and get in some good exercise," said Olin Malone, 17th CES assistance fire chief. Teams of four work together to complete an obstacle course designed to simulate firefighter practices such as hose rolling and patient litter carry. The team with the best time receives a $100 prize as well as the coveted firefighter trophy. The 17th Security Forces Squadron's "Defenders" have held the trophy for the last two years and plan on defending their title on Oct. 10. Capt. James J. Nelson, 17th SFS Commander, doesn't foresee any real threat from other squadrons and feels confident that the trophy will remain in place. Courtesy hotdogs and refreshments will be provided for both spectators and competitors. A bouncy castle will also be available for age-appropriate children. Goodfellow Fire and Emergency Service Fire Prevention Week campaign schedule includes the following activities: 6 Oct. 7 to 8 a.m. Sparky greets visitors at the South Gate. 7 Oct. 8:30 to 10 a.m. Fire truck visit with Sparky at the Exchange. 9 to 10 a.m. Story time with a firefighter at the base library. 8 Oct. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fire prevention and education team at the Exchange. 4 to 5 p.m. Mobile safety house and fire truck visit with Sparky at building 927, School Age Program, and building 915, Youth Center. 9 Oct. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fire prevention and education team with mobile safety house at the Exchange. 10 Oct. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Firefighter competition-muster and open house at the Base Fire Station. For questions regarding Fire Prevention Week activities, call 325-654-5577.
