Ellsworth firefighters promote fire prevention week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Every year the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters team up with local firefighters to promote National Fire Prevention Week at Ellsworth and in the Black Hills.

This year's theme, "Working smoke alarms save lives - test yours every month," highlights the importance of smoke alarms and how to properly maintain them.

"We are focusing on the smoke alarm this year," said Steve Hilton, 28th CES assistant fire chief. "Almost 60 percent of reported home fire deaths [from] 2007 to 2011 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, so it is a device that can save lives if working properly."

To kick off the campaign, Ellsworth firefighters hosted a firefighter challenge where participants teamed up to compete with one another in events related to firefighting tasks and drills.

"The challenge is a fun way to kick off Fire Prevention Week," Hilton said. "It's always a good time seeing everyone from the different squadrons get together and compete in events that we as firefighters train in daily."

In addition to the firefighter challenge, Fire Prevention Week consisted of a base parade, an open house with demonstrations and activities where children learned about fire safety and prevention, and school visits teaching children about smoke alarms and fire hazards.

"This week is not just about competition and parades," said William Beck, 28th CES fire inspector. "It's about equipping people with the knowledge of fire safety and prevention to help save lives and fight fires."

Hilton added that the appreciation and positive feedback from teachers and other caregivers is a part of what makes the week so rewarding.

"I love working with the kids and it is fun to watch these guys go out and teach them about fire safety," Hilton said. "They do a great job and represent Ellsworth in a positive manner."

Beck concluded that firefighting is looked upon as an exciting job, but he and his fellow firefighters do not do it for the fame.

"A daring rescue by firefighters is exciting to read about, but working in fire prevention can save lives on a larger scale," Beck said.  "It is very satisfying to know that we are making a real difference in the lives of kids and their families."