GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Published Oct. 13, 2023
By Master Sgt. Jocelyn A. Ford
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, signed this year’s proclamation declaring the start of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6.

National Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week that surrounds October 9th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The fire killed more than 250 people, left 100 thousand homeless, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

The National Fire Prevention Association has sponsored Fire Prevention Week as a public observance since 1922. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in the United States.

The Goodfellow Fire Department packs the week full of activities to educate children and adults on fire safety.

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Daniel Chapa, Goodfellow Fire Department shift captain, interacts with youth at the Child Development Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 10, 2023. The fire department sent a crew and Rescue Truck to the CDC during National Fire Prevention Week to allow toddlers and youth up to age five to take pictures with Sparky the Fire Dog, ask questions and look at the equipment used during rescue operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

The Rescue Truck and crew paid a visit to the Child Development Center, allowing toddlers and youth up to age five to take pictures with Sparky the Fire Dog, ask questions, and look at all the different equipment used during rescue operations.

Additionally, a fire engine and the Prevention Trailer parked outside the school-age facility one evening after school.

“That big red engine always catches the kids’ attention,” said Brad Keibler, Goodfellow Fire Department fire inspector. “We let them sit in it, look at all the tools and explore.”

While in the prevention trailer, youth learn what to do in case of a fire. First is to call 911.

“Make sure they got help on the way in case they get trapped,” said Keibler. “Then we cover the different aspects of using a fire extinguisher and the acronym PASS.”

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Brad Keibler, Goodfellow Fire Department fire inspector, engages with youth from the school-age facility during National Fire Week at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 11, 2023. The fire department uses the Fire Prevention Trailer to educate youth on how to use a fire extinguisher, what to do when the room fills with smoke and other safety precautions to take in the case of a fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

The acronym PASS refers to the actions used in operating a fire extinguisher. 1) Pull the pin. 2) Aim at the base of the fire. 3) Squeeze the handle. 4) Sweep from side to side.

The youth get to take turns practicing with a special extinguisher putting out a fire on a screen. Then, they are reminded what to do when smoke fills the room.

“There’s a smoke machine in there, and I’ll smoke it up,” said Keibler. “We tell them to get low and crawl into the next room.”

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Youth from the school-age facility get low and crawl to safety as simulated smoke is seen on one side of the Fire Prevention Trailer during National Fire Week at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 11, 2023. The fire department uses the Fire Prevention Trailer to educate youth on how to use a fire extinguisher, what to do when the room fills with smoke and other safety precautions to take in the case of a fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

The second room in the trailer simulates a bedroom. There they go over what to do if they hear a fire alarm go off or smell smoke. They are instructed to feel the door with the back of their hand, use their blanket to block smoke from coming in from under the door and go to the window to allow help to see they are trapped.

Regular visits to the schools allow children face-time with fire professionals.

“We want to make sure the kids know, if they are trapped and hear us coming, that we are there to help,” said Keibler.

In addition to the youth activities, the department set up an informational booth at the Base Exchange, handing out fliers and answering questions to those who stopped by.

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Four 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen drag a firehose into position during the Fire Muster, a timed challenge for base personnel to complete a series of fire-related activities at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 13, 2023. The Fire Muster is the culminating event during National Fire Prevention Week at Goodfellow. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

Finally, Goodfellow’s annual Fire Muster culminated the week’s events. This timed challenge offered base personnel the chance to complete a series of activities, experiencing a taste of what is expected of firefighters across the nation.

This year the Dukes of Nukes, a team of scientific applications specialists attending special instruments training, showed up in force winning the challenge, beating the next fastest team by approximately a minute and a half.

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Youth from the Child Development Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, high-five Sparky the Fire Dog and Daniel Chapa, Goodfellow Fire Department shift captain, Oct. 10, 2023. The fire department sent a crew and Rescue Truck to the CDC during National Fire Prevention Week to allow toddlers and youth up to age five to take pictures with Sparky the Fire Dog, ask questions and look at the equipment used during rescue operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

Brad Keibler, Goodfellow Fire Department fire inspector, shows a young boy where to point the fire extinguisher to put out the simulated fire on the screen during National Fire Week at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 11, 2023. The fire department uses the Fire Prevention Trailer to educate youth on how to use a fire extinguisher, what to do when the room fills with smoke and other safety precautions to take in the case of a fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)

GAFB FD hosts Fire Prevention Week 2023

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zach Heimbuch, 17th Training Wing public affairs specialist, throws a firehose during the Fire Muster at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 13, 2023. The Fire Muster is the culminating event during National Fire Prevention Week at Goodfellow, allowing base personnel the opportunity to perform tasks common to firefighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Jocelyn A. Ford)