Masked man

During Fire Prevention Week Oct.4 -10, Tinker firefighters took their lessons on the road to the Tinker Elementary School, the Child Development Centers and various buildings on base. Teaching children not to fear firefighters wearing their voice-distorting oxygen masks or protective gear, Tinker firefighters Kevin Smith, back, and Dominic Hagen show Tinker Elementary students what to expect if firefighters came to rescue them. (Air Force photo/Margo Wright)

Tinker Fire Department stresses safety during prevention week

Published Oct. 17, 2008
By Danielle Gregory
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- During National Fire Prevention week, the Tinker Fire Department dedicated their services to educating the Tinker community on fire safety.

"We participate in Fire Prevention Week to increase public awareness of the importance of fire safety," said Harold Anderson, Tinker Fire Department. "The week was a great success. People were educated in preventing home fires, from children to adults."

Fire Chief, Scott Bloxham said too often, fire safety is discussed after people have suffered a damaging fire. He said the prevention week is a time when the department can come together and proactively discuss some of the leading causes of fires in communities and preventing them before they happen. The department said the highlight of the week was Sparky's House. The house is a realistic example of how dangerous a fire can be and fills up with smoke. Firefighters say it gets the message across.

"We found out some kids start cooking at such a young age. Cooking fires is No. 1 one on the home fires list. We decided we needed to target that audience and change them while they're young and teach them fire safety," said Earnest Baxter, Tinker Fire Department.

The department said that by interacting with the public, it lets them know the firemen are there for them and are members of the community as well.

The department wrapped up the week with a chili cook-off and a retreat by their honor guard.

"The retreat ceremony at Bldg 460 is a rarity. "I used to be active duty, traditionally you didn't expect those type of things from civilians or civilian fire firefighters," said Chief Bloxhom. "To have their own honor guard and retire the flag is nice."