Mark Rakestraw helps Ella Kessler use the fire hose, while other Junior Refuge Firefighters await their turn. (photo: USFWS)

Smokey Bear and the Stocks children celebrate after the program. (photo: USFWS)

by Jennifer Stockton, Sacramento NWR

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge administered the oath to 20 new Junior Refuge Firefighters Saturday, February 28, 2009. The children discovered how the Refuge fire staff helps wildlife, habitat and people. They learned about the tools used during a fire and explored the fire engine, including testing out the fire hose. The final step to the program was a quiz that tested their new-found knowledge on fire and being fire safe.

“It’s important to help kids discover that fire can be positive in nature and help create a healthy habitat, but it’s also important for them to be fire smart; that’s the goal of this program,” said program leader and Fire Engine Captain, Mark Rakestraw.

After pinning on their shiny new badges and taking the Junior Refuge Firefighter oath, the kids were rewarded with a visit from Smokey Bear.

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