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Spangdahlem stomps out kitchen fires

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, German --  Fires are prevented through education, and every year, Fire Prevention Week is hosted across base to bring the basics of fire safety to all Sabers.

Spangdahlem is celebrating Fire Prevention Week through Oct. 12 with daily base-wide events promoting awareness and prevention.

A campaign is selected each year to spotlight a specific issue. This year's focus is on the most common cause for household fires, and spouts the slogan, "Prevent Kitchen Fires."

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in its latest study, home cooking caused almost half of reported home fires and one of every five home fire deaths. In 2011 alone, cooking was involved in an estimated 156,300 home structure fires equating to 470 deaths, 5,390 injuries and $1 billion in direct property damage.

"The main cause of cooking fires is unattended cooking," said Tech. Sgt. Mario Rainge, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention NCO in charge. "We want to educate the public on good practices to use when cooking, so we can keep this from happening."

To combat inattentive cooking, the NFPA stressed cooks to stay in the kitchen when frying, broiling or grilling food, and If simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home and use a timer to stay reminded to check food.

In the event of a small grease fire, smother flames by sliding a lid over the pan. The pan should be left in place until cool. Oven fires should be combated by turning off the heat and keeping the oven door closed.

Fire Prevention week is important, especially for children, to develop a culture of fire prevention in this young generation, Rainge said. It's important to "keep that fire prevention consciousness."

Fire Prevention Week 2013 Schedule of Events:

Oct. 8
- 7-8 a.m. Spangdahlem: Sparky at front gate to promote FPW
- 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Bitburg Elementary school for Fire Safety demos

Oct. 9
- 7-8 a.m.: Radio Show
- 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Bitburg Elementary school for Fire Safety demos
- 3-4 p.m.: Youth Center for Fire Safety demos

Oct. 10
- 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Spangdahlem Elementary school for fire safety demos with Sparky
- 9:20-9:35 a.m.: Spangdahlem Elementary School fire drill
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Fire muster event at base basketball court
       o Traveling trophy to be given out to winning team
- 11 a.m.-noon: Spangdahlem Base Exchange display with grease fire demo and extinguisher training
- 1:15-2:30 p.m.: Spangdahlem Middle School fire drill, grease fire

Oct. 11
- 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Spangdahlem Elementary School for Fire Safety demos
- 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Spangdahlem CDC for Fire Safety demos

Oct. 12
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Parade through housing loop
- Led by Fire Marshall with 52nd Fighter Wing commander
- 52 FW/CV and 52 MSG/CC and families invited to ride trucks throw candy via top of hose bed on pumper with Sparky
- Parade includes German trucks/MDG ambulance/SFS Police

Parking lot activities
- Parade followed by activities for the kids at Elementary School parking lot
- Automobile extrication demo at 11:30 a.m. followed by hands-on Jaws of Life activities
- Smoke house/equipment displays/stove top safety/raffle/extinguisher trainer
- Free hot dogs, chips and drink
- Elementary School gym will be used in case of inclement weather