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Fighting flames with fun

  • Published
  • By Airman Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Burning down the house is not only a song by the Talking Heads, it's also an occurrence one would certainly never want to go through. 

To avoid ever having that situation Cannon Air Force Base's fire department sponsored Fire Prevention Week last week here, with a variety of activities to increase fire safety awareness and promote prevention. 

The fire prevention week proclamation was signed by Col. Timothy Leahy, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, on Oct 2. 

"Fire prevention week is designated as the week with Oct. 9," said Bruce Ford, with the base fire department. "It started in the 1920s as a commemoration to the great Chicago fire." 

This year's theme to the week was to have a fire escape plan. There were a variety of activities that the fire department sponsored during the week. 

Fire safety posters were hung up at different buildings on base along with a static display at the BX. The fire department also conducted live fire extinguisher training and fire safety at the BX. 

Making a regular appearance throughout the week was Sparky, the fire department mascot, who helped to promote awareness during each of his visits to the different events. 

One of the last events was the fire muster at Unity Park, located near the base main entrance. The muster consisted of the different squadrons on base competing against each other in an obstacle course, truck pull, hose relay and other events. 

We've been doing the muster for about nine years, said Mr. Ford, who added that the whole week is a great way to help people on base become part of what we do as firefighters.