Laughlin ‘fire dogs’ focus on fire prevention

Laughlin firefighters made their rounds on base during Fire Prevention Week, Oct 9 –13, 2017, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

This year’s theme for fire prevention week was “Two Ways Out,” and Team XL firefighters along with Sparky reminded people of the importance of situational awareness by touring the base, visiting facilities to spread the message and giving out literature on the subject.

Each year the National Fire Protection Association declares a new theme for Fire Prevention Week. The observance of this particular week exists because of the Great Chicago Fire which took place in 1871. Historians say walls of fire 100 feet high ravaged the city taking the lives of 300 people, causing $200 million worth of damage in property destruction and leaving one third of the city homeless.

Technology has changed since the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and there are new fire hazards to consider. Many fires are caused by electrical problems.

“This year 56 percent of write-ups have been over electrical issues,” said Paul Gentile, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention. “I would draw attention to what you’re doing to cause these issues. These are usually caused by the improper use of power strips and extension cords.”

There have been nearly 400 fire hazard discrepancies on base so far this year.

“Another cause can be broken outlet covers or switches,” said Gentile. “These are common, everyday things people could notice themselves and would reduce discrepancies and deficiencies by nearly half.”

In addition to emergency response and continual training, base “fire dogs” make it a point to tell people about their mission and their role in protecting Laughlin.

“It’s a little bit of community awareness,” Gentile said. “At the young age of a child, it’s fun for them and us to go over and start them off not fearing the fire truck and fire department when they show up if they have an emergency at their house. That’s why we try to get out there and show them what we do.”

Laughlin firefighters are committed to keeping the base safe. They are continually training and participating in exercises to remain ready for emergencies.

Though the fire department takes advantage of the week-long salute to fire safety, even bringing out Sparky the Fire dog, it is something they concentrate on year-round.

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