Base fire department urges precaution against carelessness

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MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  As Mountain Home AFB joins other communities across the nation to celebrate National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 5 to 11, the base fire department urged people stationed here to use the week to reflect on the dangers of fire carelessness.

In 2007, fire fighters nationwide responded to more than 530,000 structural fires, which killed approximately 3,000 people, injured at least 15,000 others while causing more than $10.6 billion in damage, according to statistics published by the National Fire Protection Association.

When it comes to home fires, investigators link unintentional carelessness as the factor behind many of these blazes, the association reported.

"Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America," said Tech. Sgt. Jon Davis from the base fire department. "Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly."

To cut the risk, Sergeant Davis recommends smokers use large, deep non-tip ashtrays and soak cigarette butts in water before discarding them.

"Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes," the sergeant added.

Unattended cooking rates as another leading cause of home fires, Sergeant Davis said. In 2005, these fires accounted for 40 percent of all home structure fires and 36 percent of home injuries, the National Fire Protection Association said.

"Simply put, never leave cooking unattended," he added. "Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves. Turn pot handles inward on the stove so you can't bump them and children can't grab them."

Grease fires, another kitchen hazard, are especially dangerous, Sergeant Davis added.

"Never use water to fight a grease fire," he said. "If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool."

The sergeant recommends parents enforce a three-foot "kid-free zone" around kitchen stoves to keep children safe while cutting the risk of fires.

To help emphasize the fire safety message, the base fire department hosts its annual Fire Prevention Week Parade at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The parade, which marks the start of several fire prevention activities planned during the week, begins in the parking lot across from the former temporary lodging facility (Bldg. 9315), continues through the base housing areas and ends at the Silver Sage Golf Course pavilion at 4:30 p.m. The fire department serves cake and punch at the pavilion with balloons and opportunities to Sparky the fire dog planned during the event.

For more information about National Fire Prevention Week or fire safety rules, call the base fire prevention office at 828-6375.