Barksdale stays aware of fire safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany Y. Bateman
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As part of National Fire Prevention Week which started Oct. 4 - Oct 10. Barksdale's own Fire Department hosted briefings at commander calls, group gatherings, the Youth Center, Child Development Center and Sparky the fire dog visits throughout the community. 

There were also two fire prevention parades through base housing and a Fire Prevention Week display at the base exchange. 

"When we speak to residents who have experienced a fire in their home, they recall becoming confused and disoriented by the conditions and severity of the situation, but they realized they needed to get out fast," said Tech Sgt. Jason Layfield, Barksdale fire inspector. "Sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there's no question that having a plan in place, that has been practiced, saves precious time and makes survival more likely. We hope Fire Prevention Week will prompt folks in our base community to plan and practice their escape." 

Lives, costs and degradation of the mission makes fire prevention important. 

"Fire kills. Recovering from fire costs money, time and other resources," said Tim Sprague, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of operations. "No matter what your mission, fire and the recovery from a fire, will negatively impact that mission." 

Airmen and their families were provided this to ensure they understand the importance of fire safety. 

"There are numerous ways to increase fire prevention vigilance," said Mr. Sprague. "Incorporate fire safety into daily operations, provide recurring safety briefs and reminders to employees and family, conduct recurring fire drills, both at work and at home, ensure proper operation of detection and suppression systems, and provide fire extinguishers where required and ensure personnel know how to use these extinguishers." 

According to Mr. Sprague President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week in 1925 the United States has observed the week containing Oct. 9 as National Fire Prevention Week. 

This date commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, where around four square miles of the city were destroyed. The fire also claimed between 200 to 300 lives. The Great Chicago Fire ironically was not the most devastating fire the United States experienced that day. The Peshtigo Fire, in Wisconsin, claimed 1,875 square miles and between 1,200 to 2,500 lives. 

Although numerous other large-scale fires occurred on the same day, the great Chicago fire is recognized as the catalyst for fire prevention week.