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Fire Prevention
 The 10th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department staffs three full-time fire stations on the Air Force Academy, and may staff up to five as mission requirements dictate. For two weeks each year, Academy firefighters "camp" with cadets, responding to medical emergencies and small fires that inevitably occur as a result of training.
Fires are a risk year-round in Colorado Springs, particularly during the fire season, which typically begins in May and ends in September. The 10th Civil Engineer Squadron's fire prevention section offers tips for preventing fires around the home.
WINTER HAZARDS
Heating equipment is the largest fire culprit in December and January and is the third leading cause of fire deaths in American homes. Human error is involved in nearly all cases -- these fires are preventable.
Common mistakes that too often turn deadly include failing to clean chimneys; placing space heaters too close to furniture, betting or clothing; and improper fueling and venting of fueled heating devices. The correct installation, maintenance, fueling and operation of portable heaters as well as the safe arrangement of household items around them greatly reduces your risk of experiencing a home heating fire.
SUMMER HAZARDS
Grills and campfires require special attention during the hot, dry summer months, as they can lead to injury or death. Campfires can also trigger wildfires, which can potentially burn thousands of acres during the fire season.
Grilling -- Keep barbecue grills away from anything that can burn. Stay with the grill when lit and keep children and pets well away from the area. Protecct yourself by wearing an apron and oven mit that fits over most of your forearm. Never use a barbecue grill inside your home! In addition to the fire hazard, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you see lightning or hear thunder while grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.
Camping -- Pitch your tent upwind and well away from your campfire. Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other enclosed space. Clear away all dry vegetation from your campfire site and dig a pit, surrouding it with rocks, to help enclose the fire. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations.
HOME FIRE PREVENTION
Every room in the house has different fire risks. Some of these risks are detailed below.
Kitchen -- A prime area for electrical and grease fires. Make sure appliances carry a testing agency label such as UL. Do not throw water on electrical appliances that are still plugged in. Small grease fires can be smothered by placing a lid on the pan and turning off the burner. Do not try to move the pan. In the event of an oven fire, turn off the power and keep the oven door shut.
Bedrooms -- Risks include overloaded electrical outlets and smoking in bed. To prevent the risk of electrical fire, do not "daisy-chain" surge suppressors.
Attics and Basements -- Avoid creating fire traps in these areas. Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids in metal containers and store them outside. Keep these areas maintained -- good housekeeping can avert possible risks. Clear out boxes of old clothes, papers and rags that could invite fire and block escape paths. Finally, watch out for worn cords, blown fuses and other signs of electrical trouble.
Heating Devices and Fireplaces -- Always keep your fireplace screened to prevent embers from escaping. Have chimneys regularly cleaned and inspected -- ensure repairs are made to fill any cracks, replace loose brick, old flue caps and weak flue pipes. Maintain adequate clearances around stoves and space heaters: keep them far away from drapes, curtains, furniture or other flammable materials.
CHILDREN AND FIRE PREVENTION
Children often set fires for predictable reasons: curiosity, frustration, mischief and sometimes malice. For children between two and seven years of age, fire play is a natural, albeit dangerous, part of growing up and exploring the world around them.
Teach children about fire as a safety issue. They need to understand when it's okay to light fires and when it's not. Keep lighters and matches out of children's reach and keep them away from potential fire sources. Educate older children on how to build, maintain and extinguish fires responsibly. Do your part to help children understand what fire is, how it can help and also how it can hurt.
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