Fire Prevention Week educates Misawa community

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown
  • 35th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron kicked off their annual Fire Prevention Week with a competition with local Japanese firefighters Oct. 2 in the base exchange parking lot. The friendly competition between the fire departments was formed for "bragging rights."

"It is important for us to involve the local Japanese firefighters so that we can build and maintain a good working relationship," said Tech. Sgt. Clive Chipman, 35 CES. "We could help them if an off base fire is too big for them or vice-versa."

Fire Prevention Week is a federally-mandated campaign chosen because it marked the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The blaze took over 250 lives, destroyed over 17,000 buildings and caused over $168 million worth of damage.

A major contributing factor for the past devestation was poor fire prevention habits.

"Fire Prevention Week participation is key to achieving our goal of zero mishaps" said Chipman.

"Fire Prevention Week gives us the opportunity to show the community and especially the children what we do and give out fire prevention education," said Senior Airman David Dunn, 35 CES. "This is a time for us to teach the children what we do and to let them know what to do if a fire should occur."

Events so far have included a fire muster competition, static display of fire equipment, night pit fire training and visits by National Fire Prevention Association mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog.

Sparky is a Dalmatian who has been the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association since 1951. Sparky is a key representative in delivering messages to children about fire hazards and precautionary safety measures.

The base community will have another opportunity to take part in Fire Prevention Week as the 35 CES wraps up this year's campaign with a parade and Open House Saturday Oct. 8. The parade is scheduled to begin 10 a.m. at Edgren High School and proceed through the main base housing and the north area housing.

Following the parade will be the Open House, which is scheduled to be hosted from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 1, where there will be fire truck displays, interactive events, a smoke trailer, door prizes and free food.