28th CES Hosts Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman Quentin K. Marx
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week with a Firefighter Challenge Oct. 4, and a parade and open house Oct. 5.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9, which commemorates the “Great Chicago Fire” from 1871, and is a time in which fire departments worldwide remind communities to take the appropriate measures and precautions to prevent fires.

“The Firefighter Challenge is meant to simulate what we do in the field, so we have [stations] such as the dummy drag, the hose advancement, carrying a hotel pack, the keiser sled, and going up and down a ladder,” said Tech. Sgt. Tim McCutcheon, a 28th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector.

During the parade, firefighters drove through base housing and threw candy to children while Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Dalmatian waved at children.

After the parade, the Fire Department held an open house for families and military members on base. Children were able to jump in bouncy houses, partake in snacks like baked goods and popcorn, and people getting to meet Sparky the Dalmatian and Smokey the Bear.