Firefighters Stress Safety During Fire Prevention Week
Wolf Point volunteer firefighters stressed the importance of safety to area students during Fire Prevention Week.
Training officer Denver O’Connor told students that fires can happen in a few seconds and can change everything in a person’s life.
O’Connor said that many students might want to be firefighters, but it’s more than driving a big, red truck and spraying water. He urged students to help prevent fires.
“We don’t want to have to fight fires,” he added.
He told students that if they hear a smoke detector or see fire, they should get out of their house immediately.
“A small fire can become a big fire very quickly,” he said. “Your stuff can be replaced, but you can’t be replaced.”
People should be aware of two different ways that they can leave their residence. Once outside, people should return inside but leave it to firefighters to rescue others or pets. Families should make a plan of where to meet outside.
“Make sure you don’t go back in during those situations,” O’Connor said.
Wolf Point firefighter Cody Sietsema added, “It’s not fun going in, but it’s our job.”
Janet Anderson, fire prevention specialist for U.S. Wildland Fire Service, noted that there weren’t as many wildfires in the area during the past summer.
“That is awesome,” she said.
Anderson urged students to put campfires and other hot items out while camping.
Also making appearances during the presentations were Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Captain Camarillo Burshia and safety officer Dorrance Clark led presentations at Southside and Frontier schools on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Topics included the firefighters’ gear and fire prevention.
Students heard how firefighters sound like when wearing an air tank.
“I sound scary, but I’m here to help,” Burshia explained.
Anderson added, “But we don’t want to even experience it.” Firefighters urged students to have an escape plan at their homes. “You get out as soon as possible, stay low to the ground because smoke rises.”
They also said that the more closed doors helps the fire from not spreading as quickly.
Anderson told students that they need to be aware of possible fire dangers such as things cooking on the stove or where space heaters are located.
