Stay fire smart -- don’t get burned Published Oct. 5, 2009 By Harvey Stevens Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- It was Oct. 9, 1871, and people were milling around hot ashes and charred debris when a lone voice protested above the angry crowd, "It wasn't Daisy's or my fault," she proclaimed. "I was upstairs sound asleep when I was awakened to the clanking of fire bells and the clamor of people running about!" Mrs. O'Leary was positive there was no way her poor Daisy could have kicked over a lantern the night before, ultimately starting the Great Chicago Fire. She suspected it was those same young lads she chased away just the other day for smoking behind her barn. That was one hundred and thirty-eight years ago. Today, people are fire smarter. There are higher construction standards and fire personnel are better trained, as well as equipped, to combat today's challenges. The success of any fire protection program is not measured on how well the fight was fought; but, on how well fire fighters are able to prevent that raging inferno from converting the splendor of homes, work centers or recreational areas into hot cinders and smoky rubble. This year's theme, "Stay fire smart -- don't get burned," means use the steps of fire safety in everything you do. Look around your homes and at work at electrical wiring for frayed or broken wires, overloaded circuits and surge protectors. Also, surge protectors are not heavy duty appliance protectors. Properly store gas powered lawn equipment by emptying the tanks or store in a well ventilated area away from ignition sources. And finally, don't forget your fire reporting procedures: Call 911 in case of an emergency; know the location of fire extinguishers; and know your evacuation assembly area. In other words, stay fire smart -- don't get burned. Oh yes, as for the case of Mrs. O'Leary and her cow -- the jury is still out.