Holloman participates in National Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily Kenney
  • 49th WG/PA
Members from Holloman Fire Emergency Services participated in National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5 until Oct. 11 on Holloman Air Force Base.

Fire Prevention Week has been observed annually for 92 years and was created to pay tribute to those who lost family and property in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

"Fire prevention week got started in 1922. It's built for the remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that happened in 1871," said Senior Airman Jordan Schraner, a fire fighter crew chief. "A fire started that spread across 2,000 acres of land, causing thousands of people to lose their homes, and close to 250 people lost their lives."

During Fire Prevention Week, Holloman firefighters stressed the importance of fire safety, the importance of regularly checking smoke detectors, and always having a plan in case of an emergency.

"Fire prevention week is important to not only educate the children around the schools, but also the general public and letting them know about fire safety in their homes and workplaces," said Senior Airman Seth J. Mosley, a firefighter with Holloman FES. "By promoting fire safety and teaching the safe practices, it can save lives and property."

During guided tours of the fire stations and fire response demonstrations, FES members confirmed why it is critical to change the batteries and check smoke detectors on a monthly basis. Firefighters also showed the students how easily a fire can start in a kitchen, and how having a working smoke alarm can help save lives.

"According to last year's statistics, over two thirds of fire emergencies were because smoke alarms weren't supplied with new batteries," said Schraner. "Family members need to replace batteries and make sure their systems work monthly so these fires can be prevented in the future."

On Friday, Oct. 10, Holloman emergency services hosted a fire fighter muster challenge, which consisted of stair climbing, dummy drags, and hose pulls. 

The challenge showed some of the obstacles Holloman firefighters face when real life emergencies occur.

On Saturday, Oct. 11 Holloman firefighters put an end to Fire Prevention Week by participating in a parade throughout the Soaring Heights housing community.