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Preventing future fires

Cornelius Berry, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, answers a Team Shaw member’s questions about stovetops and fire safety at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 11, 2016. The 20th CES fire department hosted a series of events including a smokehouse, an interactive display which simulated various hazards associated with fire, to educate the community on fire safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Preventing future fires

A Team Shaw member pets Sparky, the Fire Prevention Dog, at The Exchange on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 11, 2016. During Fire Prevention Week, the Shaw Fire Department provided pamphlets at an informational booth to educate the community about fire safety and this year’s theme, “Don’t wait… Check the date!” which stressed the importance of maintaining fire alarms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Preventing future fires

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Bippus, 20th Security Forces Squadron unit deployment manager, climbs a ladder during a Firefighter Combat Challenge competition at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 14, 2016. During the challenge, participants raced through firefighting tasks while wearing various pieces of firefighter gear, aiming to get the best time possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Preventing future fires

Published Oct. 14, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department hosted a series of events for Fire Prevention Week here, Oct. 9-15.

In observance of the week, the fire department ran a smokehouse and the first annual Firefighter Combat Challenge competition to educate the Team Shaw community about fire safety.

“Aside from encouraging people to check their smoke detectors,” said Staff Sgt. Larry Diaz, 20th CES fire protection craftsman, “the overall goal of Fire Prevention Week is to make contact with our community and make them more aware of how fires start, how to prevent them, and actions families should take during a fire.”

At the smokehouse, firefighters helped participants practice fire safety procedures inside a trailer with simulated situations such as a stove fire, smoke, and a hot door.

“The smokehouse gives families hands-on experience of what could happen during a fire,” said Cornelius Berry, 20th CES fire inspector. “It emphasizes having an escape plan and practicing that plan.”

Later in the week, the fire department issued a combat challenge to anyone up for testing themselves against the physical demands of real-life firefighting.

Competitors had the option to work individually or in teams of five, racing against the clock to complete a series of tasks including a ladder climb, dummy carry, and equipment hoist.

“Each station simulates activities that are normally performed during real world structural emergencies,” said Diaz. “The challenge promotes physical fitness, which is an essential part of structural firefighting.”

Throughout the week Shaw Fire Department personnel educated Team Shaw members, demonstrating firefighting skills and providing an avenue for participants to learn about fire safety in a controlled environment.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit: www.firepreventionweek.org.