Tinker fire officials plan prevention week Published Sept. 25, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Raising awareness of fire danger is the goal of the Tinker Fire Department, which will participate in National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11. This year's theme, "Prevent Home Fires," reminds people of simple actions that can be taken to stay safe from fire. The Fire and Emergency Services Division has several events scheduled throughout the week to raise awareness of things that cause fires and steps people can take to prevent fires at home and work. A National Fire Protection Association study found that in 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to 396,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 12,500 injuries, 2,580 deaths and $6.8 billion in damage. "We take this week to promote and educate fire prevention not only at your home, but your home away from home, the workplace," said Ernie Baxter, Tinker Fire Department. "The Tinker community has been fortunate to not have experienced any fires on base in more than a year." A parade through the Tinker housing area will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 4. Officials with the Tinker Fire and Emergency Services ask base housing residents to park their cars in the driveway the night before. The fire trucks will be using lights and sirens to attract the base populace to them. Parents are encouraged to watch their children during the parade and keep them safe. Department mascots "Sparky" and "Big Kev" will be on hand to have pictures taken and meet with folks along the way. The parade will begin at McNarney and Arnold and travel a pre-determined route to provide the best coverage, ending at Sparky's Safety House, 5357 Chidlaw St., to celebrate Sparky's birthday. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be available after the parade.